three.. 3.0 Assembly Questions

[flmont]

Can I get a correct measurement when I do the Deck height ck if I do NOT install the rings first ??? (have the wrong tool ) and second, does the top of the cylinders need to be smooth,.or a little rough ,. mine are slightly rough,.and third..when I do the deck ck and I use my NEW head gasket will it get smashed,.or should I use and old one..
Thanks Frank

[cstreit]

The rings won't directly affect the deck height obviously, but they do help hold the piston a bit. You may find that without them the piston can rock back and forth inside the cylinder bore and skew your measurements. I typically take measurements from the top, bottom, and sides, then average them together because the piston moves slightly. If I can can the same average after 3 trials, I call it good.

What area on the top of the cylinders are you referring to? The head mating surface? I can be slightly rough like a matte finish, but I would wonder abot a sanded or "textured" finish.

I use the new gaskets when check in the height... They may crush slightly, but I haven't had any sealing issues because of it.

[flmont]

Yea ,..I wanted to see how tight the deck height was ..I should install rings first to be safe..and yes the cylinder groove for the gasket seemed a little rough to the touch,.kind sharp when I run my fingers around them...Thanks Frank

[Wayne 962]

Which engine are you talking about? I would be careful with the early gaskets - but the later ones can be placed in the groove with no problem...

-Wayne

[Wayne 962]

Whoops, just re-read the post title - duh. Yes, the cylinder head gasket can be placed in the groove for deck height measurements with no problems...

-Wayne

[cstreit]

I did the same "Duh" Wayne, thought he was asking about the base gaskets..

[flmont]

Thanks a lot Gentlemen,...Frank

[rcwaldo]

I wouldn't think it would make any difference if you install head gaskets (later CE type that is) when doing 'mock-up' assemblies for measuring etc. I say this because these head gaskets crush into the groove of the cylinder until the head makes contact with the cylinder. Not really adding any height to the assembly..

[flmont]

Ahh Ok I was curious as to how much crush was there once the gaskets were installed ...Thanks Frank