The engine builders tool kit(engine builders please advise)

[PHATsuby]

Alright, so with the delivery of my H6 rods I should be pretty much ready to crack the case and start assembly. I have waited till now to purchase my tools I will need for taking the critical measurements for assembly.

My question is, what do others use/recommend. Also, what methods do you follow? for example Do you measure torque on rod bolts, or stretch?

Also, there are so many diff options for tools like bore gauges, some are extremely expensive while others are cheaper with the same supposed features and accuracy. Do I buy the expensive stuff, or are they mostly the same?

So far I have gathered this is what I need, please let me know if I leave anything out, and recommendations on each one and where would be great, hopefully this can be added to the FAQ in the future.

Cylinder bore gauge(should i do electronic, is analog fine, how much resolution?)
Micrometer(small throat)
Micrometer(larger throat, like for measuring pistons dont know if ther are specific names for them)
Calipers(thinking a nice digital would be good)
Digital torque wrench(could go analog, just as long as it has proper res/accuracy)
rod bolt stretch gauge(necessary?)

Does this seem like a good list, anything else? What should I expect to pay for these items?

Thanks a lot for the help!! I realize its a lot of info.

my engine and I thank you

Ben

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[Jyik40]

Most of the time, you get what you pay for when it comes to tools. Something like a micrometer, I would spend the extra $$$ to get quality and accuracy. I have a digital torque wrench and they are worth the weight in gold. I got mine from Snap-On and it beeps and vibrates when you reach your desired torque level. It also shows real-time what the torque reading is.

Some additional tools I would get (some of them are just nice to have):

-O-ring and seal pick
-telescoping inspection mirror
-piston ring compressor
-piston ring gapper
-assembly lube
-Torque angle meter
-feeler gauges
-Tap and die set for the unfortunate events

Edit:
I'm sure you probably have these already:

-Engine stand
-Engine hoist
-Jacks
-Jackstands
-Creeper
-Catch pan for various fluids


I'm sure there are a lot of things that can be useful. The more tools you have on hand, the better.

Good luck with the rebuilding of the engine.

Jay

[PHATsuby]

great additions! thanks, keep them coming. I was focused on measuring tools, but yes I want to know those as well, thanks.

Ben

[Jeremy@Cobb]

This is what I use here at Cobb.

-Bore Gauge analog .0001" resolution
-I only use calipers for non engine related measurements.
-Rod bolt stretch gauge- Use the gauge and then double check torque.
-Regular click style torque wrench- they are sent out for calibration every other month.
-Micrometer- 2" - 3" for measuring the main and rod journals.
-Tube (bearing) micrometer- always check for consistant bearing thickness especially on coated bearings (usually this is not a problem)
-my favorite tool! Irwin Quick-Grip clamp with rubber jaws (any clamp you can get from your local tool store.. etc.) This is nice, you can clamp your micrometer and have it sit upright on your workbench, so you can precisely zero your bore gauge.

Cylinder heads
PhaseII dial indicators to measure valve tip height, cam lift and base circles.
Aerospace grade straight edge

0-600PSI Spring tester with dial indicator to simulate valve lift, this will let you know what kind of pressures you will see under real conditions so you can set your valvetrain up to check consistancy, set a cylinder head up with correct pressures, and check for coil bind on high lift cams.

Some other tools that are used during assembly
-feeler gauges
-torque angle gauge
-piston ring gapper (rotating grinding wheel)(specifically for rings)
-piston ring compressor
-jewelers file- take off sharp edges on rings

Bore gauge, and micrometers I would suggest buying PhaseII, or Mitutoyo.

**Always take multiple measurements in multiple locations on both bore, mains, rods.

**When measureing bores- make sure you are measuring a clean surface without dust or oil which could slightly change your measurement.

[Storm]

This should be a sticky...

I'll add:
Internal bearing puller for wrist pin removal
12 and 14mm hex drive sockets to access plugs
Degree wheel
Magnetic base fixtures
Flexible shaft die grinder
Misc porting/polishing bits
Small benchtop parts washer
Easily cleaned work surface that's got good light
Big ams or strong friends if you build motors in your basement.....


Jay Storm

[PHATsuby]

thanks a lot Jeremy for the info! Very helpful to know what pro builders use.

Thanks for the info Storm!

just what I need, please keep it coming

Ben

[Scoobie Steve]

Everything needs to be CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN. You can have the best measuring tools in the world but if there is dust and dirt on your parts you are screwed. My old engine builder used Marvel Mystery Oil to clean parts. Even after a bore has been jet and ultrasonic cleaned you can wipe it down with Marvels and get ALOT of crap off the walls.

I agree dont buy cheap china tools you find on ebay. It also doesnt make sense to buy $$$ tools you may only use once. Maybe ask to borrow what you dont have.

[Storm]

I find quality tools in pawn shops at substantially less than retail. Gotta test them first and have them calibrated if needed...but still a cheaper way to collect quality tools.

Jay Storm