Clarification! I'm getting ready to assemble another block. I want to set the deck height to 0. As I understand it I should install the mains, crank and 4 rods and pistons with the bearings and rings in the four corners of the block. Use a true flat bar across the cylinder and then measure the distance down to the piston with a feeler gauge.

Is this in the ball park? Chuck in NH

ps. 312 block is still in for sonic testing.

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

It can be done that way or with a dial indicator.

Here ya go:

http://www.y-blocksforever.com/forums/Topic2929-3-1.aspx

Lawrenceville, GA

Chuck,

         You must, absolutely must, make sure it's on TDC when you measure. Also the pistons assemblies should remain in the holes you measured. So mark them with a cylinder number.

   I'd prefer to see you check all eight holes, just to be sure, You can have material removed from the top of a piston if you find you need to. Suggest that you have the assembly balanced after you remove that material. Check the block with pistons that are fit to the block, loose ones can rock on the pin and throw your measurements off.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

If you use 4 different rod/piston assemblies in the four corners, the rods should have been resized and set to the same length.  Without that having been done variances in deck height due to rod lenght can occur. 

If rods have not been resized and length adjusted, I have been advised to use the same rod/piston assembly and move it from one corner to another.  Then deck clearance variability is solely due to the deck.  If you do that even after zero decking you will likely find some variance.  However zero decking without assurance of equal lengths can be a problem.

Mike, located in the Siskiyou mountains, Southern, OR 292 powered 1946 Ford 1/2 ton, '62 Mercury Meteor, '55 Country Squire (parting out), '64 Falcon, '54 Ford 600 tractor.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I have a set up refurbished, shot peened and balanced truck rods I will be using. I'll double check them for length match. Just fired up to get something going soon for this winters project. Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire