Thursday, November 26, 2009

Checking Piston/Valve Clearance..We got issues!

A popular method of checking piston/valve clearance is to use modeling clay. It's a simple test but requires the correct parts/tools to get it done right. Details of how to perform the test can be found here: Piston/Valve Check

The results of my test(s) showed I had plenty of depth clearance but my radial clearance was little tight. Too tight for comfort. That left me two options. Replace the pistons or have them flycut open up the valve reliefs. New pistons are expensive and require a lot of work to install. I opted for the flycut. Details of the process will be posted.

A photo of the intake relief with clay
From Piston Valve Clearance

Another after rotating the engine. As you can see the clay was scraped down to the metal.
From Piston Valve Clearance

1 comment:

dirtnaps said...

hey bro you really need to post some pics of the heads. their so pretty! i for one was impressed with them. this is a nice piece of writing very informative. others will surely be helped by your labors.i cant wait to see it when its all finished!call me when you need some more help. anytime bro.be my pleasure....ROGER