measuring deck height?

[dtpolk]

When measuring deck height (center of crank to top of block), without special tools, what other kinds of measuring tools can be used? A yard stick is, of course, not very accurate, but what else can I use that won't cost me a fortune?

[440roadrunner]

First, you do know the usual way to check "all four corners" is to use the SAME piston/ rod in all 4 corner pistons.

You can MAKE something to aid you, depending on the engine. Fer 'xample, if you have an engine with pistons below the deck, a good heavy straightedge held across the cylinder, and using feeler gauges between the straigtedge and piston crown will do.

Look around Craigslist. I find dial indicators and depth gauges all the time on there.

[JVMopar]

Load it up and take it to your local machine shop. They might do it for free or charge you a small fee. It shouldn't take them 5 minutes to measure it.

The only accurate way to measure deck height is to measure from the main bearing journal to the top of the deck.

[dtpolk]

Yea, that's what I'm trying to do. I want to measure the block to see if it's square or if it has been cut before. A 12" micrometer would work fine but I can't find one.

[Tarrbabe]

Car Craft magizine as I remember, did a build on an 70's something (I think a 74) 350 Nova. They went all the way out to build the engine for a hot street build. After careful measuring, it ended up as a 348 cubic inch motor. That was with careful measuring of all the different cyc's. The point is that each and every motor is different. Just because the cubic inch measurement’s on one cyc. Is a certain amount, doesn't mean that is the actual measurements for the engine.

[prodart340]

how would you measure deck height if the pistons come up out of the bore?

[Ray Bell]

Measure down from the crowns of the pistons to the deck...

Just the same as you'd do if the pistons didn't make it to the top. Then you deduct that distance rather than add it.

[dtpolk]

Yea, I understand how to measure piston deck height. I want to measure block deck height; from crank center to top of deck. I was wondering if a simple 12" dial caliper would work, and it seems that folks here think it will. Most calipers have a bladed edge on the jaws in the last 1/2" at the end. I am guessing that since the main bore is round, using that edge is critical to getting an accurate result.

[JVMopar]

Originally Posted by dtpolk

I am guessing that since the main bore is round, using that edge is critical to getting an accurate result.

Yes.

If your gonna just measure piston height in the hole. You might as well just use the yard stick. It'll be just as accurate.

[chirorod]

I thought I'd throw in a suggestion. First, check top of deck with a good straight edge. Use a feeler gauge to poke under the straight edge. That will tell you if deck is true. If not, would need to be surfaced. With crank and bearings removed, place another straight edge on main webs. Then measure between straight edges.