Dial gauge

[stuartgb100]

Is there more than one type of dial gauge? If so, is there a type to go for, or one to avoid?

For example, here in the UK Sealey do a few:

http://www.sealey.co.uk/PLPageBuilder.a ... mdGo=Go%21

or text search their site with: dial gauge.

Would appreciate some advice.

Regards,
Stuart.

[steveww]

I tend to use www.machinemart.co.uk for most of my tools. I find their products to be good quality and reasonably priced.

I guess you are looking to use a dial gauge to set the cam timing?

[stuartgb100]

Hi Steve,

and TDC, run-out etc, amongst other things.

Immediately I need to check run out.

Are dial guages universal or 'job-specific' ?

Regards,
Stuart.

[steveww]

Dial gauges are universal and the one I got from Machine Mart has been fine for timing cams, TDC etc. The only issue is that the gauge is metric and measurements on the Elan are imperial, you just need a calculator handy.

You will also need a stand to hold the dial gauge, the ones with the magnetic base are good. See my website (www.stig.uklinux.net) for details of how to do the cam timing & TDC.

[cliveyboy]

There are various dial gauges around and most engineering suppliers will do them.
You can get adaptor kits that come with them for extending the reach down plug holes or angle pieces for when you have obstructions etc.
Try:-

http://jlindustrial.com (check their clearance section as they often have offers on)

http://bhinone.farnell.com

Clive

[rgh0]

I have always used Mitutoyo measuring equipment. I have had one of their dial guages for 30 years along with micrometers, calipers, inside gauges etc. They are not cheap but they are accurate, well built and they last.

The basic dial gauge is a universal device. The choices get down to range of travel and accuracy and quality of construction. More travel and more accuracy and better quality construction the greater the price. For the sort of stuff you want to do on a Lotus the cheapest Mitutoyo gauge is plenty good enough.

You want to get a magnetic base and a 150mm extension with the dial gauge and that will do almost everything you need.

I have one other specialised dial gauge for measuring con rod bolt stretch during engine assembly. By measuring stretch you get a precise tensioning, people like Carrillo and ARB always quote required stretcg for their rod bolts and recommend setting them this way rather than by torque. Torque wrenches only give an approximated tensioning of a bolt and for con rods bolts it critical you get it absolutely right.

regards
Rohan

[stuartgb100]

Many thanks all, for the advice.

Regards,
Stuart.

[bill308]

Rohan,

You wrote ARB (bolts). Did you mean ARP? I know ARP makes some pretty impressive con rod bolts and they specify bolt stretch and offer a bolt stretch gage. Is this the one you use and recommend?

Slightly off topic, do you know the specifics for con rod bolts for the 125E con rods?

Thanks,
Bill

[rgh0]

Bill

Yes I meant ARP. ARB is a local 4WD accessory maker! The bolt stretch gauge I have looks a lot like the ARP one but was not from them. I got it a lot of years ago from a local supplier, it has no brand name on it.

The 125E bolts I measured are as follows.
44.0 mm Under head length
17.0 mm Thread length
3/8 UNF thread

I have never bought ARP bolts for 125E rods so dont know the part number as I use carrillo rods. They are not listed in their catalogue but I am sure they could tell you which of their bolts suit.

regards
Rohan