Micrometer recommendations?

Looking to do my first shim under bucket type valve adjustment. Does anyone have a recommendation on a micrometer that will do a good job for a reasonable price? Since I have gone 61 years without a micrometer and I may not use it again for 10 years, I don't want to break the bank. But I also want one that is accurate enough that I would not have to pull everything apart again because the measurement was wrong.

 

Get a set of vernier calipers. Way more useful. If shims have been put in correct way you will still be able to read the size.

 

From what I have seen, vernier calipers are not as accurate?

 

Typical accuracy of a reasonably priced caliper is +/- 0.03 mm. You need to decide if that's accurate enough, based upon the range spec'd in the FSM, and what you are trying to attain.

 

how far off were the clearances ? be SURE to turn the crank over manually at least 4 revolutions to check your work b4 startup.

 

I haven't even attempted yet. I want to have everything on hand before I start.

 

do yourself a big favor, and if your initial measurements are within .001" + or - from spec, do nothing more.

 

Depends on the user. Have never had any problems using either.
In the long run calipers are a more useful outlay than a mic.

 

There would be no sane reason to do this anyway, that is well within the published tolerances of a 5g or 6g valve clearance not requiring an adjustment. I would hope that you would only adjust the valve clearances that required it, unless you just felt the need to be practicing your cam removal and installation skills.

 

I promise. I'm not that crazy guys. As this bike is fairly new to me and the prior owner was not a maintenence freak, I am just assuming at least some valves will be out of spec.

 

If you were even willing to consider doing it yourself, that told me you had a pretty decent idea of what you were up against.

 

Personally I would use a micrometer, but I already have one. Since no one answered the question, I would
recommend a Fowler 0-1 micrometer. They are a good compromise between accuracy and reliability. Several
guys had them where I worked, and we also used a lot of Fowler dial gauges. All decent quality, not Starrett
quality, but good.

But IMO you'd be better to spend the money and buy a good quality digital 6-inch set of calipers. They work
very well, and are much more versatile than a micrometer. Just consider how often you'll use a set of calipers
versus how often you'll use an 0-1 mic.

And don't forget, you comparing thicknesses as much as measuring absolute thickness, when it comes time to
adjust shims.

 

Thanks. I bought this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/100-Authen...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

Mitutoyo makes some excellent measuring equipment. And that's an excellent price. There's
no vernier for 0.0001 measurements, but it will work fine for what you need.

Believe it or not, I bought a Starrett brushed chrome finish 0-1 mic with the vernier lines in 1973 for $75. LOL
Quite an investment for some one making 5 bucks an hour.

Just a spot of advice, always store the mic with the jaw and anvil separated, due to heat and cold variances.

 

I like it, you stuck to your guns.

 

Good on you for doing it yourself. Follow the manual, take your time and its a satisfying job. The worst bit is stripping all the bits of for access. Plus youll know your engine is spot on and will be better for it.