MTFCA Forum

I want to check valve clearance using a valve indicator that will screw- anchor into a block hole. Is there an "off the self" brand that you have used without having to devise an anchor setup? (yes, I know "reasonably priced" is a relative term. Thanks!

There are many dial indicator attachments available… but none that I know of that will measure a .015” clearance between 2 objects. I may be missing something, what exactly are you hoping to to indicate…?

If you are setting lash by piston travel, a magnet base and 1” indicator might be what yur looking for. Here is a very affordable option from Shars Tool;

https://www.shars.com/magnetic-base-w-1 ... ndicator-1

Harbor Freight has the ones with magnetic base and might even come with a dial indicator.

A feeler gauge is not always adequate. There is an option if you just want to check lash but don’t want to pull the head. I used a dial indicator with the tip against the top of the valves, through the sparkplug hole. I made a bent extension to get from the hole to the valve head. Dan Hatch has the best tool for that and he has posted pictures of it on this forum.
Coincidentally, I have a collection of dials that I don’t mind altering. I managed an R&D lab for years until I started my transition to retirement. I bought dials by the case because we often had to put them in harm’s way when testing to total failure. I would collect the broken but usable dials.

Use the dial to measure total valve lift through one full cam rotation. Then add a shim, such as a nickel, between the lifter and valve stem and repeat the measurement. The difference in measurements is your lash. This works even if your lifters are dished. A feeler gauge will not give an accurate measurement if the lifter is dished. I had, for example, .032” lash as measured with a feeler gauge. But the dial method revealed .045” of total lash due to a worn lifter.

Harbor Freight magnetic base and dial indicator for about $30, less on sale or with a coupon. Works fine for me. I don't need measurements below .001 and you probably don't either for most tasks.

Google will pop up other options in a pretty similar price range.

Get the books Tinkering Tips, both volumes. It has all info you need for “Timing the valves to piston position “ that you need.
Get a HR indicator and have at it.