If I get really good dial calipers (accurate to 3 decimal places) can I just use them for all my engine rebuild measurements in place of micrometers? I know I will need telescoping gauges and a dial indicator on a magnetic base no matter what, but will dial calipers suffice for the rest of the measurements? It seems to me they would. What do you think?

thanks for your input

 

You need a micrometer/telescoping gauges for the bearings/lobes and running clearances. Dial calipers really just don't cut it to figure out running clearances.

 

Well, from what I've researched, most micrometers measure with accuracy to 0.0001" while some lesser grade mics measure to 0.001". Most dial calipers measure to 0.001" while some high grade calipers measure to 0.0005". Can a caliper that measures to 0.0005" calculate running clearances at least well enough to fall within specs? I'm trying to cut corners where I can. If I can't cut it here I'll have to try to find a pair I can use.

thanks

 

Eccentric shaft oil clearance must fall within 0.0016" and 0.0031" right? So yeah, I guess I need some mics.

 

was i right with that?

 

I'm fixing to do mine with just an inside/ outside dial caliper- that's all you need IMO- use a little ingenuity...I've been using test equipment like this for years, though, so I'm biased...If ya think you'll need further tooling, go ahead and get it, you'll have it next time you need it....0016 to .0031 is a BIG range, so electron microscopy is not required

 

Well, when I think about it a range of 0.0015" seems kinda small. If your dealing with a tool that measures to 0.0001 then it is pretty big. But if your dealing with accuracy of .001 then maybe its a pretty small range. I don't know, I've never done a rebuild before so I'm just sharing my thougts. If I can make it work with dial calipers that would be great.