Table of Contents
REF: Engine Mechanicals - Sub-02D
Measuring the Volume of a Combustion Chamber
Article by billeuze of the XLFORUM 1)
- Tools:
- A dial gauge or a degree wheel & piston stop for finding TDC.
- A Burette. (about a 3 foot long test tube with a valve at the bottom and graduations along the side).
100ml is the perfect size because you only have to fill it once.
50ml works but you have to refill it (which makes more room for error).
- Liquid for Testing:
- Denatured alcohol (with food coloring added for better visibility) is suggested as a fluid medium to measure with since it evaporates.
However, antifreeze was used in this instance.
Straight water is not recommended as it may help set up rust in the metal parts.
Engine Prep:
The forgoing was done with shovelheads on and ironhead case.
The heads were pulled and the ringlands and spaces between the rings were packed with axle grease to stop any fluid getting past the rings.
With the Head On
With the Head Off
- Start with the piston in the bore (rings greased) but lowered down so the piston top is flush with the cylinder deck (if using dome piston) so you can submerge
the whole piston dome in measured fluid. - Fasten a piece of plexiglas with a hole in one end (big enough for the burette spout) on top.
The hole should be at the high end of the plexiglase to allow air bubbles to escape thru the hole.
Tilt the cylinder on a incline. Have it so that a spirit level bubble is completely over to one edge.
Measure the Cylinder:
Measure the Head: