Can you measuring engine bore with measuring tape

I don't have a bore measuring tool! Can you measuring engine bore with measuring tape and convert it? If so how?

I know this is probably a stupid question!

Thanks

 

If you mean a tape measure, you can measure it to a 1/16" but thats about it.

 

are you trying to determine an engine size or looking for more specific info like if the engine needs boring? you can get some inexpensive micrometers that will get you close but not exact. but way better than a tape measure.

 

you'll never get an accurate, or even close to accurate, measurement with tape. your numbers will be off for every cylinder.
if you don't have the right tools see if a local shop has tools you can rent or borrow with collateral.
by the way, it's not a stupid question. its one many of us here have probably wondered ourselves but didn't want to ask.

 

The only suitable method I know is a teloscoping gauge and a micrometer. Even cheep ass tools will be closer than a measuring tape.

 

cool thanks!

 

even a vernier calliper will do way better than a tape. you can get real cheap calipers that will do just fine for occasional use. you'll probably find it very useful when you have it too.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47257

 

Besides all that most of the foreign produced tapes are off by quite a bit when laid side by side with a calibrated or precision tape.
Your readings would only be relative to the tape itself, and probably not correspond to an "actual" true and correct measurement that could be used to order parts.
If you dont believe me, lay a Harbor Freight tape down next to a Starrett and see how much they vary.

 

Nope in a word. It may tell you what rough size the bore is but as to exactly what size pistons to get or if it can be rebored no a tape wont tell you anything. You would be surpised how often you would reach for a set of calipers to give you a better number for other jobs.

 

Get a cheap set of telescoping gauges and a micrometer (autozone should rent them with cash down for free when brought back) and check in various spots since a bore can taper or get oblonged. Def. check the Major and minor thrust sides and def. make sure you measure below where the ring package was because if you do not, you can be mislead on a reading due to ^^^ or carbon buildup etc....

 

Cmon guys ,You can do it with a set of rings ,Buy a stock set of rings ,Install with out pistons ,Use only one ring .Check at top .Make sure its level ,Feeler guage ,Check middle same way use the piston for centering rings . Same at bottom bore ,You will get a close idea of the taper and you will know how much to bore .

 

most maximum overbore is .060. ( I know most engines can be bored more than that) .060 is a 1/16th of an inch. I don't think a tape measure is going to be much help here!!!

 

Spicolli, your dealing with thousanths of an inch. You can't see thousanths on a tape-measure. Do as the others have said. Use a micrometer. Good luck with evrything.

 

A 6" machinists rule goes down to 1/64" (.015"), but you can only measure the top of the bore. This will at least give you an idea of the bore, especially if inspecting an unknown block that has "never" been bored. Spring for the telescoping gauges and outside mics. You can always use them again while porting heads.

 

Simple answer, Yes. But exactly what do you intend to use the information for? If you are trying to determine an engine displacement based on bore size, then you might end up guessing if the difference is 060 or less. Since you will only be able to measure the top of the bore your tape measure has limits.

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