George:

 Well, I assume you mean that after using the dial gauge to get to TDC, and
noting the measurement, you then remove the bar/gauge setup and measure
again on a flat surface, the deck height being the difference between the
two  measurements.  I just wasn't sure how accurate this would turn out to
be.  Also, and I should have made this clearer in my post, I was wondering
if there was any way to use this setup - in place - to get the deck height.

 Thanks.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Tom Young                       '81 Vanagon
Lafayette, CA 94549         '82 Westfalia
---------------------------------------------------------------
 ----- Original Message -----
From: <THX0001@aol.com>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>; <tomyoung1@ATTBI.COM>
Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2003 10:04 AM
Subject: Re: Measuring deck height

 >
> In a message dated 2/20/03 12:06:46 PM, tomyoung1@ATTBI.COM writes:
>
> << Do you think the author is merely using the flat bar
> across the top of the cylinder as a straightedge, to be used with feeler
>
> gauges?>>
>
> > No.
> >
> <<Or is there some way, using the pictured setup, that you can use
>
> the dial gauge to determine TDC *and* deck height? >>
>
> > Yes.
> >
> > Tom, my man, I'm not trying to be a smartass and I could tell you
outright
> > how to use the setup about which you are asking, but, that would be a
> > disservice to you for you would be robbed of the opportunity of
exercising
> > your intellect.  Exercise builds strength.  Look beyond what you see
shown
> in
> > a JPEG.  I will give you a hint: what matters as much as what is
indicated
> is
> > what is done with the indicator before the fixture is clamped to the
> > cylinder, or, if that preparation is overlooked, what is done after it
is
> > removed.
> >
> > George