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Feeler gauges

Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2012 6:06 pm
by PIStaker
I would like to check my valves.
I know how to do so, but the trouble I am running into, is that I don't have the right set of feeler gauges.
I've always had the luxury of my friend's toolbox in my garage.
However, when I went to Autozone, none of the gauges seem to fit the bill.

The PGO spec sheet says .08 mm
I'm sure I am losing something in the conversion, and where I am placing the decimal point.
I'll be the first one to admit that I am not a "mathlete".

I don't need to know the math, but can someone simply tell me what gap to use after any necessary conversion, The specific model/set of feelers to buy, and from where?
I'm not sure an adjustment is even needed, but it would be nice to be able to do so.
Thanks in advance.
Mike

Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2012 7:01 pm
by PeteH
If you're shopping or borrowing inch-based gauges, you'll want 0.003". At this small thickness, they're pretty floppy/tin-foil-like. Not to worry - that's what you need.

Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2012 9:35 pm
by Tristik
~~
25.4 is the magic number.
25.4 mm = 1.0 inches

So, at 0.080 mm (80 microns), that puts you at a hair over 0.003" (3 thou). The few microns difference shouldn't matter, but any auto store should have both metric and english sizes.
~~

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 5:31 pm
by TroutBum
Grainger should have them. You might want to checkout a bent feeler gauge. The angle is very helpful.

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 6:34 pm
by SYMbionic Duo
or you could just use these

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 7:08 pm
by PeteH
You know, while these MotionPro tools are uber-slick for holding the tappet while tightening the lock bolt, what hurts my head a little bit is everybody saying, yeah, you just screw it down, then back it up three notches, or some such thing. The amount of gap as a function of rotation of the tappet is going to depend on the thread pitch, not some arbitrary number of clicks. While engines made by the same manufacturer will _likely_ have the same pitch, this may or may not be true across all engines.

It would be Most Prudent to use a feeler gauge in conjunction with the MP tool the first time out, so that you could verify that x-number-of-marks indeed corresponds to the desired .08mm. At least, if I ever order a set, you can be sure that's what I'll be doing the first time I use 'em.

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 8:51 pm
by Syd
This gauge should fit the bill. Blades from 0.0015" to much thicker than you need.

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 10:03 pm
by Tocsik
I got the set from Harbor Freight on sale for $1 once.
Regular price is $2.99.
Seems fine.

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 11:48 pm
by BuddyRaton
Go to Sears and get two decent sets. I have a love hate relationship with HF. Measuring instruments are things that I will not buy there

Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 1:45 pm
by BootScootin'FireFighter
the set I got from, ($5 at my local hardware store), it has .076 as the closest metric gauge. close enough for me.

Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 10:00 am
by mhardgrove
I bought a pair from HF, compaired them to a nicer craftsman set I forgot I had. I could tell no difference between them on the valve. So, yeah for $2.99 they were worth it. Don't know about the other measuring tools from HF, but the feeler gauge was accurate.

Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 6:17 pm
by Syd
So is the moral of the story Tools: use 'em or forget where you put 'em?