Timing dial gauge question

[annieneff]

Hello,
So... Following Vince's write up on timing 1.9td I got the thing all lined up; the IP, the camlock, and the tdc mark on the fly wheel. looks great there.
But, i cant get my dial feeler gauge to do what it's supposed to. It turns when I spin it counter clockwise, but nothing when I go back to tdc. It doesn't feel like its binding, but it doesn't start moving until about 1/2 way through the turn when going counter clockwise. Is it suppose to turn as soon as I start moving everything, or is it okay that it only moves at the very last part of the cycle? And why won't it move when I turn it back!? So frustrating.
Any help appreciated! Also, I'm in the Seattle area, willing to pay with beer, money, promises of eternal gratitude and friendship, or pretty much anything at this point, to anyone who can come here and help or meet somewhere to help.  thanks!
Andrew

[theman53]

preload the gauge a bit before you rotate it counter clockwise. I forget what it is maybe 2 or 3 mm, then lock the gauge down. turn it CCW and zero it.

[annieneff]

Did that. Followed Vince exactly. It's 2mm's.

[Estacaco]

It's 2mm of pre-load according to Vince's write up. Where did you purchase your dial indicator? Mines a Prothe dial indicator and adapter. I have to give mine about 3-4mm of pre-load just so that the dial indicator fits into the adapter and locks down properly. I also pull the indicator rod out and let it spring back in whenever I take a reading to make sure there's no binding and that I'm getting the proper reading.
If everything is right as soon as you start turning the crank CCW you should see the gauge moving backwards. As soon as it stops moving when you crank you're there (zero and start turning CW till TDC). Be careful when making sure that dial indicator isn't moving as if you go too far back the dial will start moving again.

[annieneff]

My indicator is some random Chinese one. Neighbor had it on the shelf and gave it to me. Maybe I don't understand the preload thing? Is there a different/ better description of what it is exactly?
When I pull my indicator out to let it spring back it is pitifully slow. It works well at the lower settings; 1-6, but in order for it to touch I have it way in there at 8 or 9 (on the small dial indicating how many times it's turned around). Maybe a weak spring?

[theman53]

If you put 2 washers on the gauge holder before you screw it in it will help the angle better so you can tighten the gauge up better.
To preload: I don't lock the gauge in tight. I get it to where it just starts to move the needle. Then push it in 4mm or so. Then you know it won't lose contact. Roll it back until the gauge stops loosing and stays flat ~ 45 degrees CC. Then zero the face of the gauge, not the plunger. Roll it up and read it. Sometimes you have to keep your finger on the rod so it doesn't get sticky and not read right.

[annieneff]

I think a sticky rod has been my problem.  . Give me 10 mins here to play with it and I think I'll have it.

[Estacaco]

Something definitely sounds gunked up it should spring back quite fast.

[annieneff]

That was totally it!!! Happy ending to a very long day. I didn't realize how free the feeler on the gauge needed to be. Letting me know that it needs to snap back down was the key. I'm right at .037 now. Happy happy happy. Now I get to see what this Giles pump can do. Thanks all. Awesome as usual.

[Estacaco]

Glad you got it figured out!