Deck height tweeking Q

[2332 baja]

I have a small leak around one of my barrel spacers and need to stop it. So, I thought I would change my deck height in order to make my compression more adjustable with copper head gaskets. My question is,,, how much negative deck height can I have without the piston colliding with the gasket (or is that possible)? Or more specifically, can I have -.015 dh without any problems?

The engine is a 2332 with 5.5 rods & AA slipper skirts (the cheaper ones). Let me know if you need more info.

[Tom Simon]

You have to measure the inside diameter of the copper head gasets. If the ones you have are smaller than the cylider bore, go see Shawn Geers and get some good gaskets. Some guys will cut a step in the diameter of the piston, just above the top ring, to make sure the piston doesn't hit tthe gasket, but it seems to me that is just compensating for a marginal gasket.

one more thing, if you are taking out the barrel shims altogether, be sure to put a generous radius in the case openings. Most barrels have a fillet in the corner from the factory, often times the barrel won't sit flat against the case after taking out the shims.

[2332 baja]

Thanks Tom. I will definitely take some measurements before reassembly. I will still have a spacer under the barrels just trying to decide what thickness that I need. So no worries about the sealing surface. I got interrupted when I assembled the side that leaks so I think that some oil may have dripped off the rod onto the sealing surface. I may just go for zero deck ,get some .05 copper gaskets, and call it goodnuff.