Tool Recommendation? I Need a Machinist Level

[Xploitn]

Hey DSMtuners,

Question:
What machinist level would you recommend getting for my first time engine tear down/re-build?

Background Info:
I'm prepping to do my first engine tear down and rebuild because the 4G63 6 bolt I just bought needs new pistons rings. (Based on poor compression until oil is added to cylinders). While I have the block apart, I am planning on replacing the main bearings, rod bearings, and all gaskets.

I've created a list of tools that I will need to add to my collection for this job:
cylinder hone - $25
ring compressor - $10
micrometer and caliper set - $65
Machinist straight edge -
Telescoping Gauges - $100
Piston ridge reamer - $35
Most of these tools will be acquired from Autozone except for the micrometer and caliper set which will come from Amazon.

I don't know how much I should spend on a machinist level or the best site/store to buy from. I did a Google search for 'machinist level' and found some that are about $100 per six inches of length (e.g. a 6" level would be about $100, a 12" would be about $200). How long would the level need to be? Would 12 inches suffice or should I go with the 18"? Is it safe to assume that the carpenters level I have kicking around wouldn't be accurate enough to test for flatness with feeler gauges?

I'm also on the fence about getting the crank professionally polished, but I have to keep the 'labor' costs down because it would get added to my $500 dollar budget as this car is going to be a Lemon in the '24 hours of Lemons' race.

 

[hhuricane]

You're not looking for a level, you are looking for a straight edge. A level measures how level a surface is from vertical or horizontal. A straight edge measures how flat a surface is. This is what you need. Most shops that deal with metal working tools should carry them or be able to tell you where to get one. You will want one long enough to be able to measure at least the length of the cylinder block/head.

 

[CSFX8588]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=precision+straight+edge

You pay for the precision. 18" is probably the longest you need from corner to corner of the head surface (I think). A precision rule and straight edge are not the same, you're looking for a straight edge. Unless you plan on finishing the heads yourself too just ask whoever does it to measure. They should have a nice starrett one at their disposal. What the Lemons judges don't know, won't hurt them...

 

[curt-s]

micrometer and caliper set - $65
Telescoping Gauges - $100

I'd be suspect of a full set of inside and outside micrometers/calipers that covers all the ranges you'll need for $65. What brand and what are the included sizes?

And what telescoping gauges are you talking about? Bore gauges?

 

[BogusSVO]

Forget the ridge reamer you will do more damage than good with it.

Also when you buy the Mic's, make sure you get a decent set of standards so you can check the mics.

A 24 in machinist straight edge is the common one, and runs about $100-150

 

[Xploitn]

What the Lemons judges don't know, won't hurt them...

You make a solid point my friend.

I'd be suspect of a full set of inside and outside micrometers/calipers that covers all the ranges you'll need for $65. What brand and what are the included sizes?

And what telescoping gauges are you talking about? Bore gauges?

The micrometers and caliper set is are 'Standard Gage' brand and they are $225 for the digital ones but these aren't digital. I just noticed that the micrometer only measured up to 1" so I'll have to keep shopping

The telescoping gauges are for measuring the bore and checking for taper that is out of spec. Beyond that I couldn't give you any more info because of my current state of ignorance. I am reading and learning a lot right now and I have 10 days to know enough about rebuilding an engine! Wish me luck!

Forget the ridge reamer you will do more damage than good with it.

Also when you buy the Mic's, make sure you get a decent set of standards so you can check the mics.

A 24 in machinist straight edge is the common one, and runs about $100-150

Ridge reamer? What's a ridge reamer?

I'm thinking I will get a 18" straight edge (maybe Starrett as mentioned above; gotta do some shopping though) and I will definitely get a set of standards now that you've mentioned them!

Above all else, thank you all for the advice!

 

[BogusSVO]

here is a Mic kit with Std that will not kill your budget and should be good enough for you to check the parts you need too.

Micrometer Set Outside C Type Carbide Tip Premium 0 4 | eBay

Instead of the telescoping gauges, get an inside mic.

Starrett 124A Inside Micrometer | eBay

This will allow to measure not only cylinder bores, but main bores and rod housing bores


Decent straight edge

Central Tools Precision Straight Edge 24" Long | eBay

 

[blasterracer817]

With precision tools you will get what you pay for. I'm a CNC programmer and operator and I spent $170 on just my caliper. About 200 for my 0-1 and 1-2 mitutoyo mics. Look on Craigslist there is usually good used precision tools on there for a descent price. I don't own anything precision other than starter mitutoyo and fowler. But I know they will last forever. I got a cheap general mic that lasted abou 6 months before it started acting all funky and the threads got really sticky. If you have a mill and access to a surface grinder you can make your own straight edge. Its not to hard you just got to make sure you have everything square. I made a bunch of my own tools that I use quite often. And it's good practise

 

[11Banger]

Don't forget a cherry picker.

 

[curt-s]

Also you'll probably need an engine stand (usually around $50). At the very least, it saves you from reassembling an entire engine in the bay.

As above, it's also probably a good idea to have a hoist -- rent if you don't want to buy.

 

[BogusSVO]

With precision tools you will get what you pay for. I'm a CNC programmer and operator and I spent $170 on just my caliper. About 200 for my 0-1 and 1-2 mitutoyo mics. Look on Craigslist there is usually good used precision tools on there for a descent price. I don't own anything precision other than starter mitutoyo and fowler. But I know they will last forever. I got a cheap general mic that lasted abou 6 months before it started acting all funky and the threads got really sticky. If you have a mill and access to a surface grinder you can make your own straight edge. Its not to hard you just got to make sure you have everything square. I made a bunch of my own tools that I use quite often. And it's good practise

Yeah the upper end mics would be nice to have.

But the entry level is more than what he needs to do a rering job and build an engine for a car that can be crushed at the halfway point of the race.

Also is doubtfull he will use them every day, so a cheap set should last him for years with the amount of use they will get.

Xplotin.. I am a bit jelly tho.. I want to run the 24 hours of lemons!! Best of luck with it!!

 

[Xploitn]

I bought a stand and I will be renting an engine hoist.

Bogus.... if you lived near me, I would damn near pay you to be on my team! I currently our team isn't full and we need more DSM knowledge! All the other teammates are coworkers who have experience with other cars but not DSMs. Hopefully I can recruit some of the local DSMtuners in the next year.