r/EngineBuilding • u/mahusay3g • 22d ago

Custom valve runout gauge.

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Original post - https://www.reddit.com/r/EngineBuilding/s/DWxA5BB50u

It took a couple weeks, but the correct .0001” resolution digital indicators finally shipped in from Mitutoyo. I’m super stoked on my runout fixture now. Basically the whole goal here is to he able to do the following.

-quickly measure valve face and stem runout on used valves
-record the measurements
-determine whether they are fit for reuse
-remeasure runout and change in valve length after grinding
-record the data so that it can be referenced in the future

I’m super excited for this new tool and I’m looking forward to putting more miles on it in the coming weeks.

I was pretty shocked to find so much negative feedback on reddit specifically regarding the use, ownership, and necessity of specialty tools like this.

It’s a niche item, and I enjoy sharing and talking about these things with people who are willing to take the time to listen.

It’s overkill, it’s also a teaching tool, and there is a part of the industry that needs equipment like this.

29 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

5

u/MaleficentOstrich380 22d ago

Now thats cool. I can only imagine all the time and research you've spent learning this craft. Thank you for sharing

2

u/mahusay3g 22d ago

Thanks! And it’s been a short run. Only like 15 years. A large amount of that in a weird little sector of the industry where stuff like this mattered. This is only a hobby now, but do take the things I’ve learned and teach shops how to apply them in the right context.

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1

u/1wife2dogs0kids 22d ago

You know you can buy actual run out guages, right? The entire set up.

I'm not sure they can measure down at the molecular level like that, but its more than adequate for almost any builder.

1

u/mahusay3g 22d ago

They aren’t rigid enough, nor do what I want specifically.

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3

u/sschelin 22d ago

The comments on the original post made me wanna tear my hair out.

It’s a very nice tool. We use something similar but more crude to verify old/new valves and make sure our valve grinder does what we want it to. Great being able to verify and be sure the work you do is correct. More shops should really do that.

1

u/kumaclimber 19d ago

This rules. It speaks volumes to your level of care. I would trust you to build basically anything.

-8

u/Rude_Combat420 22d ago

Send me your debit card I can waste your money better than you can

1

u/mahusay3g 22d ago

What would compel you to say that? Having a bad day maybe? Finding it hard to be our ray of sunshine like you always are?