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Fri Jun 05, 2020 12:05 pm

Is there such a thing? I've been trying to measure my piston to bore clearance, and I've determined that my snap gauges aren't quite accurate enough. I could take them to work and have the engine guy measure for me, but I'd like to be able to do it at home. I don't do much building, but I do know I will be building at least one more. Is there anything out there in the $100 range?

Fri Jun 05, 2020 12:14 pm

I got some cheepies on Amazon for around 100 bucks. They seem to be just fine for me. I'm definitely no machinist, so they are probably more accurate that I am at using them.

Actually, here it is:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OU7SYZ2?ref=pd_basp_dp_primary

Less than 70 bucks

I'm sure plenty of people one here will say what a piece of junk blah blah, but iits just fine for something I'll use half a dozen times in my life

Fri Jun 05, 2020 12:19 pm

I have picked up some measuring tools from aliexpress.com. Build quality on some is not great and the cases are mostly crap. I check them against known good tools and everything so far measures good. I would never buy high end tools as a hobbyist so the thinking is a cheep tool that I can use is better than nothing.

https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&i...bore+gauge

Fri Jun 05, 2020 12:37 pm

That's kind of what I was thinking. Never know when the guy at work will pack up and leave.

Fri Jun 05, 2020 12:56 pm

check your local pawn shops

Fri Jun 05, 2020 1:14 pm

in college, we used feeler gages. you could also use them on the front main bearing.

Fri Jun 05, 2020 4:30 pm

I bought a cheap one, branded "comp cams"
Works ok.
Check Summit and Jegs

Fri Jun 05, 2020 4:38 pm

I think the snap gauges would be better than a feeler gauge.
I will look at summit too.

Fri Jun 05, 2020 4:41 pm

Just be aware that it would be wise to get any measuring tool calibrated before use and periodically thereafter. Cheap or high end. Normally the more expensive stuff will be calibrated and NIST traceable from the manufacturer.

Fri Jun 05, 2020 4:44 pm

sgellis wrote: I check them against known good tools
Agreed, most are pretty good, but it never hurts to check it with a trusted caliper now and then just to make sure. Snap gauges work fine too if you have the time.

Fri Jun 05, 2020 4:51 pm

Used is how I would go IMO. I bought a used Takachiho Seiki with a Starrett tenths indicator on ebay for something like $150

Fri Jun 05, 2020 5:14 pm

Yeah I got super lucky and the place I was working 20 years ago closed. I bought tons of calibrated (at the time) starret mics, snap on torque wrenches, Mitu calipers,, snap gauges, fluke meters.... No bore gauge though :(

Fri Jun 05, 2020 8:22 pm

Check this thread:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8682427&highlight=#8682427

I have two dial bore gauge currently. One that is very high quality...and one that is a cheap Chinese gauge. While the Chinese gauge was decently serviceable out of the box....simply taking the low grade dial gauge off of it and installing a Starrett .0001" dial gauge that I had....made it an excellent gauge.

I have tested its repeatability against my Bower and a couple of Sunnen bore gauges and its just as repeatble.

BUT...the cheap Chinese gauge while being accurate with a better gauge installed....is NOT a production tool for day to day professional work. Its tips and internal rod will wear rather rapidly compared to really well built gauges.

But if you just build an engine or two a year and carefully check and calibrate it...it is just fine for the amateur mechanic. Ray

Fri Jun 05, 2020 9:04 pm

Thanks Ray. I hop I don't build one or 2 a year!

Sat Jun 06, 2020 6:29 am

Do you have a good mic to set it to with a standard? you can always buy a good one and sell it later, good tools always hold their value, look for a good used one. You defiantly want something good to set it to,
been considering making setting gages in 65 and 70 mm for people to use rather then mics,don't know if there would be enough interest tho.

Sat Jun 06, 2020 8:01 am

Yes I have good mics.

Sat Jun 06, 2020 1:27 pm

actually, feeler gauges are quite accurate. and a lot cheaper than bore gauges. personally I wouldn't waste my money(just my way of thinking). been a machinist for 35 yrs and have thousands of dollars in tools, but still don't have bore gauges. do have a bore mike tho. probably used it a few times. use feeler gauges all the time.

Sat Jun 06, 2020 3:23 pm

stanthedog wrote: actually, feeler gauges are quite accurate. and a lot cheaper than bore gauges. personally I wouldn't waste my money(just my way of thinking). been a machinist for 35 yrs and have thousands of dollars in tools, but still don't have bore gauges. do have a bore mike tho. probably used it a few times. use feeler gauges all the time.

How do you measure a bore with feeler gauges? :?

Sat Jun 06, 2020 3:28 pm

put the feeler gauge between the piston and cylinder wall.

Sat Jun 06, 2020 4:14 pm

Then divide by 2?
My guy did put a bore gauge to the cylinders when I first got them to measure for roundness. They checked out good. I just dont remember what they measured out to be. Or if we even paid attention to that.