dial indicators, assembly lube questions
 

well went to harbor freight today for the first time...wow...so many crappy cheap tools...

but I went to buy a dial indicator...since I am gonna use one about 3 times in my life...

but the dial indicator does not fit in the Pelican Z-block
nor does the extension pin fit...

So where are you guys getting your dial indicators?
I don't want to spend mega buck...although that facom one in the F1 article looks sweet

the one at HFT was 20.00

any ideas?

also where to get assembly lube...I'd rather use a store then mail order...

thanks guys

MJ

A good dial indicator will set you back over $100US.... Napa auto parts has a good one, comes with a magnetic base and wooden padded case as well... Like $150

Haven't learned about assembly lube yet...

I can't buy this excuse for buying cheap-ass tools.....

"I'll probably only use this tool once in a blue moon, so I'll buy a piece of crap for this job....."

Good tools are an asset, no matter how often you use them.

82, if you can get to the Long Beach High Performance Swap on the 2nd Sun of ea mo., you will find a machinst's tool dealer there with new and used. My DI was under $40 with mag base, no case. IT checks out.

Ass'y lube is a prefference of the individual engine builder. If you are going to start the motor up within a few days, a 20-50w oil will do. Some guys mix a little white grease up with the oil for motors that will sit. Then there is Ass'y lube as manufactured by various specialty lube comapanies. One is Torco ass'y lube, a bright red clear substance with a viscosity of STP. There are special lubes for cams, don't use oil. And don't use any grease that doesn't readily disolve in oil. It will clog small passages. Witches brew. Close to Holloween, eh?

Could someone explain how a dial indicator works? I don't think I've ever seen one so I am trying to mentally picture what it does.
Thanks

anyone reccomend a brand? a store??

thanks

MJ

Not a recommendation per se, but look here for what it is and how much it might cost. Usually comes with a mounting base of some sort. Magnetic is most popular. http://www.penntoolco.com/catalog/products/358.cfm
When an object moves against the stem, the dial reads the stem travel in 1000 sndths of an inch or milimeters. Think of a pistion traveling to the top. You can't really see when it gets exactly to the top, but the indicator will read the travel until it reaches the last .001 that it's gonna go until starting to move down. Same w/ valves, cam lobes, the side of a brake rotor, the outside of a rim, the end play in a shaft. The list goes on.

http://www.use-enco.com/

These guys typically have something on sale. A nice Brown & Sharpe is not too expensive. They seem pretty tough too. Mine survived a EDM tank high dive and all I had to do was drain out all the oil.
david 89 turbo cab

I would look at dial indicators made by Mitutoyo and Starrett. Reasonable online prices can be found at ENCO With dial indicators you get what you pay for.

I find a digitial dial indicator to be incredibly convenient. Obviously the readout is easier to read, but what is really nice is being able to work in metric or "engish" units with the touch of button.
(Ignore the readout, the indicator wasn't in the correct position.)
-Chris

http://members.rennlist.com/messinwi...d_layshaft.jpg

I agree digital is the way to go at least for me.... I hate doing the conversions. You can also check out these guys.

http://www.mscdirect.com/IWCatSectionView.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id= 516