A7 SS 500cc (timing)

[Topdad]

Thanks Musky, that confirms it I'm sticking with my high tech pencil !! cost 25 p regards Bob

[bsa-bill]

and that would only work with flat top pistons.

Hi Musky - do you mean by those words that the tool would not work because the shape of the head would jam the rod in the tool I wonder.
I reckon as long as the thing goes up and down then the shape of the piston is irrelevant, take your point re the angle but that is calculable (  and probable well within the tolerance of my eyes and a pencil mark  ).
I have used a dial gauge on pistons and the big advantage is that it will show movement right upto TDC and down again as opposed to my experience where my to eyes it appears the pistons don't move for a short period before and after TDC, hence the primary chain method of marking the travel at this point and dividing it.

[muskrat]

 G'day Bill. With high tops (like I use ) it adds another angle. As the piston moves up the tool point will move outward and also down the crown. You can imagine if the angles are a particular way the piston movement would not register on the dial.
Cheers

[a10 gf]

^^^ see my anti-angle tool    at least works good on flat piston.

[muskrat]

As long as the "tool/measuring device" is vertical it would work on any piston.
Cheers