Window for checking valve clash clearance

[jseng1]

Here's an interesting setup for checking valve clash clearance. Courtesy of Bruno Waltersbacher and Richard Metzger (engine builder).

 

[swooshdave]

Those are some mighty big looking valves.

 

[Lineslinger]

Thats a great way to see inside of the engine and how it interacts.

When I was a kid Santa brought me the "invisible engine" ...a clear plastic miniaturized model of a V8.

It was one of the few models I built that didn't end up down at the creek with a firecracker stuck in it.

 

[cliffa]

Thats a great way to see inside of the engine and how some it operates.

When I was a kid Santa brought me the "invisible engine" ...a clear plastic miniaturized model of a V8.

It was one of the few models I built that didn't end up down at the creek with a firecracker stuck in it.


View attachment 21721

You did that too ?

We used to put a lump of plasticine on the end and once the fuse was alight lob them in the lake. Great depth charge.

 

[Deckard]

Thats a great way to see inside of the engine and how some it operates.

When I was a kid Santa brought me the "invisible engine" ...a clear plastic miniaturized model of a V8.

It was one of the few models I built that didn't end up down at the creek with a firecracker stuck in it.


View attachment 21721

It's actually a "visable V8"
I'd guess it was a Cadillac or Oldsmobile. I was surprised Revell is still selling them

 

[Onder]

...and I thought I was the only one putting firecrackers in them, setting it afloat on fire and nearly putting our eyes out
when it lit off.

 

[swooshdave]

...and I thought I was the only one putting firecrackers in them, setting it afloat on fire and nearly putting our eyes out
when it lit off.

Apparently model glue is extremely flammable. At least it use to be. Not sure what they use now.

 

[lcrken]

Pretty cool.

 

[swooshdave]

Thats a great way to see inside of the engine and how some it operates.

When I was a kid Santa brought me the "invisible engine" ...a clear plastic miniaturized model of a V8.

It was one of the few models I built that didn't end up down at the creek with a firecracker stuck in it.


View attachment 21721

Summit Gifts HM12US Transparent V8 Engine Model Kit | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Transparent V8 Engine Model Kit with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Model Engines at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

Shop around but this is cheapest I've found so far.

 

[Lineslinger]

It's actually a "visable V8"
I'd guess it was a Cadillac or Oldsmobile. I was surprised Revell is still selling them

Right, "Visible".
In the long run it really made a difference when I was digging around inside of an Internal combustion power plant.
My dad had a clue.

I did get into my fair share of trouble playing with fireworks getting very creative in the never ending pursuit of the bigger bang.
Mailboxes were sacraficed...then we got caught.

 

[Lineslinger]

Apparently model glue is extremely flammable. At least it use to be. Not sure what they use now.

Testors glue made a great improvised fuse.

 

[Lineslinger]

You did that too ?

We used to put a lump of plasticine on the end and once the fuse was alight lob them in the lake. Great depth charge.

Cool!

We used to go "fishing" with these. It would be tied to a rock and thrown off into the deep water. Sometimes dinner would float to the surface.
Between fireworks, motorcycle and car engines, the car and drag races, playing in a rock band and attending rock concerts that were ridiculously loud I now suffer about a 40% hearing loss.


I blame my buddies BSA 441 Victor


.

 

[gortnipper]

M80 baby. Many a mailbox suffered ...

 

[robs ss]

Here's an interesting setup for checking valve clash clearance. Courtesy of Bruno Waltersbacher and Richard Metzger (engine builder).

I did something similar 10 years ago (not as flash or expensive) when adjusting cam overlap on my 500 single.
Could easily measure clearance between valves throughout the stroke.

Just had to be careful the tubes were identical height to the barrel.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Now THAT is a great idea!

You can tell when something is a really great idea when your first response to seeing it “why the f*ck didn’t I think of that before...”?

 

[Richard Tool]

Now THAT is a great idea!

You can tell when something is a really great idea when your first response to seeing it “why the f*ck didn’t I think of that before...”?

Agree with Nigel - and it looks easier and more economical than cutting a widow in cylinder barrels.

 

[lcrken]

I did something similar 10 years ago (not as flash or expensive) when adjusting cam overlap on my 500 single.
Could easily measure clearance between valves throughout the stroke.

Just had to be careful the tubes were identical height to the barrel.
View attachment 21732View attachment 21733

I thought of trying that, but it isn't as simple for the Commando. First, it doesn't have full length studs going through both head and cylinder, so you still have to have some sort of plate to at the top to fasten the head to. You also have to have something to provide support for the lifters. But it could be done, and would give you really good visibility.

Ken

 

[Onder]

For most of us punters it starts to make the wire through the spark plug hole less of a chore.

 

[Fast Eddie]

I thought of trying that, but it isn't as simple for the Commando. First, it doesn't have full length studs going through both head and cylinder, so you still have to have some sort of plate to at the top to fasten the head to. You also have to have something to provide support for the lifters. But it could be done, and would give you really good visibility.

Ken

Good points Ken !

 

[jseng1]

I've been using the carefully shaped bent wire through the exhaust port and viewing with a tiny flashlight and optivisor magnification. It can be done but its a PIA compared to the ease of the window cutout cylinders in the photo.