New Valves

The valves being so far recessed into the cylinder and sitting on Zero margin has worried me since I put the top end together. Through the years, each time a valve job was done the seats were cut deeper and deeper into the cylinder. Liberal use of a 70 degree cutter and a lot of valve grinding left me with intakes that were about to fall thru the seat...........

Man has it been cold in Georgia this winter. We are not use to this treatment from mother nature, so one cold Saturday morning I decided to tear into the motor again. I am starting to worry that I may wear the threads off the head bolts, but am definitely learning the best sequence of operations to disassemble this motor.

Recessed valves with 0 margin

 

 

Searching the SI valve catalog, I found a big block Chevy valve with a 1 7/8" head and 11/32" stem. Measuring my valve pit, that should raise the valve seat back up and provide a good margin on top of the valve. I decided to try this and see how they turned out before trying to fit new valve seats in the cylinders. So I ordered some valve blanks to play with.

 

Upon arrival the first order of business was to grind the valve to the Indian spec of 35 degrees, if for no other reason, just to be different. With the help of a protractor, the valve grinder was set.

 



Grinding to 35 Degrees

 

After reaming the guides and some trial and error, I got happy with the seat and position in the cylinder.

 

 

 

With the valve raised back up, I marked the correct length and groove location, and moved to the lathe. It was slow going turning this stainless!

 

 

The Finished Product

 

And all loaded up

 

Compared to the first picture, I think this exercise was a success. There is a lot of meat on the new valves, and no seats to bang loose. I think it'll make it!