Broken Valve Spring...should I just replace all of them?
Is the best way to measure Piston to Valve clearance by the installed height?
Why would a valve spring break without excessive rpm?
I only went up to 6000rpms.
Thanks
Using pladoh between a piston and valves, turning the motor over by hand, removing the head and measuring the distance of the valves and the piston impregnated on the playdoh is a way to check the clearence. You might want to use a micrometer to measure with to be very accurate.
Last edited by zo6vetteman2003; Jan 23, 2005 at 02:26 AM.
for instance, spring calls for 1.750" installed height. now, you put the valve in the head and attach a retainer to it with the valve locks. with various tools you can measure the distance from the spring pocket to the bottom of the retainer. say this is 1.800" you subract 1.800" - 1.750" = .050". that will be the amount of shim needed to get the proper spring height. which should get you the proper spring seat.
this does not change the height of the valve stem retainer. because of the length of the valve. so, shimming doesn't change valvetrain geometry. what changes that is length of valve, milling of heads, decking the block, pushrod length and lifter height.
this does not change the height of the valve stem retainer. because of the length of the valve. so, shimming doesn't change valvetrain geometry. what changes that is length of valve, milling of heads, decking the block, pushrod length and lifter height.
Thanks
Trending Topics
all that decking and milling has to do with what pushrod length you'll end up needing to get the rocker to sit in the middle of the valve stem and no fall off of it during movement through full lift. basically, you want the pushrod to intersect with the rocker at a 90* angle. same with the valve stem and rocker. then turn one full revolution to make sure the tip stays on the valve stem and no run off the edge. to make sure of correct length you assemble the motor and use an adjustable pushrod to get the correct length. then buy those.
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
all that decking and milling has to do with what pushrod length you'll end up needing to get the rocker to sit in the middle of the valve stem and no fall off of it during movement through full lift. basically, you want the pushrod to intersect with the rocker at a 90* angle. same with the valve stem and rocker. then turn one full revolution to make sure the tip stays on the valve stem and no run off the edge. to make sure of correct length you assemble the motor and use an adjustable pushrod to get the correct length. then buy those.
.054" + stock head deck = .054"
.065" - .010" taken off heads = .055"
I know this isn't related to pushrod length but it maybe to something else critical I need to know. My deck height is .014" out of the hole. This was due to using 6.125" rods, Diamond 3.905" pistons (-2cc) valve reliefs, and a .005" clean up on the block. I think stock LSx deck height ranges from .007"-.010" out of the hole.
Thanks again.
this is what you have for quench area: .065" - .014" = .051" quench area. most area saying to look for .035" - .041" area. this helps to prevent detonation. in doing the heads on the wife's car, we used a .042" mr gasket head gasket. so, i have .042" - .007" = .035" quench area.
but you may need the added thickness if you are looking for a certain compression ratio. what did diamond say the compression ratio with those pistons would be with certain chamber sizes and gasket thickness?
this is what you have for quench area: .065" - .014" = .051" quench area. most area saying to look for .035" - .041" area. this helps to prevent detonation. in doing the heads on the wife's car, we used a .042" mr gasket head gasket. so, i have .042" - .007" = .035" quench area.
but you may need the added thickness if you are looking for a certain compression ratio. what did diamond say the compression ratio with those pistons would be with certain chamber sizes and gasket thickness?
Here are my specs though
bore size 3.905
stroke 3.622
cc 77
pistons -2cc
deck .014 out
head gas .065
Hell a stock LSx has .047" quench area if you subtract the deck height from the head gasket thickness. I didn't have any detonation with 15* of timing and 12lbs of boost.
I calc'd my CR at about 8.8:1. If I used the stock MLS gaskets it would be about 9.2:1
remember this is just my opinion. i'd consult your engine builder or some other well known FI guys, like lingenfelter, to make sure you get this done right the first time.



