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Valve spring question

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Old 03-24-2006, 08:11 PM
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Default Valve spring question

I picked up a set of 243 casting cylinder heads on ebay, I was about to install my new springs and noticed the springs on the new heads are resting directly on the aluminum. I thought there was supposed to be a hardened seat below the springs. Anyone know?
Old 03-24-2006, 10:59 PM
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Depending on what year, the valve seals and seats are one peice. If all you see is a little thimble shaped thing around the valve stem then yes, the seats are missing.
Old 03-24-2006, 11:03 PM
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No seats are installed only seals, guess thats what I get for buying heads on ebay
I was hoping to swap heads when I did my cam install tomorrow, but it looks like the stock heads are staying on.
Old 03-25-2006, 12:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Black04A4
No seats are installed only seals, guess thats what I get for buying heads on ebay
I was hoping to swap heads when I did my cam install tomorrow, but it looks like the stock heads are staying on.
U have a pic of them? I bought a set of heads off ebay too. 243's I will send you a pic of fmine as soon as I get the camera out.
Old 03-25-2006, 07:16 AM
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Heres a pic of one of the spring seats, it may be hard to tell but they have the small valve stem seals w/o the seats. What you see is just aluminum, all that was taken off was the spring, retainer and keepers.
Attached Thumbnails Valve spring question-dcp_2737.jpg  
Old 03-25-2006, 09:29 AM
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Definatley missing seats.
Old 03-25-2006, 02:20 PM
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It isn't just missing the seats, there isn't any valve stem seal there at all.

If you buy the 2002 valve stem seals they hav an integrated steel seat.

If you buy 2001 or older valve stem seals you will need hardened seats from crane or comp.
Old 03-25-2006, 02:51 PM
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What kind of son of a bitch would sell something like that?

****...the way I am I probably wouldnt have even noticed that and just threw them on my car.

Did they mention this in the auction? And why the hell would they assemble them like that? its like they are trying to ruin your motor or something?

What a bunch of ****
Old 03-25-2006, 03:48 PM
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01 and 02 have integrated seats. it does look there is a seal on there.
Old 03-25-2006, 10:08 PM
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They do have seals, probably hard to see in the picture. But there were no seats on any of the valves, just spring on aluminum. I know this guys sold a ton of these heads on ebay, I hope nobodys bolted a set on like this.
Old 03-25-2006, 10:22 PM
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Looks like the seat is there to me also.

Here is a test.

Take a pair of pliers and grag the seal (outside metal) with a rag between the jaws so you don't crush or mar the seal.

Rotate the seal a bit and I bet you will see the seat rotate .

It is very deceiving, but the seal and the seat are one piece and the seat blends in very well.

After rereading your post, I noticed that you said it has the small seals, not the full length integrated seat/seal.

I can't believe someone sold you a set of heads minus the spring seats.

Last edited by heavymetals; 03-25-2006 at 10:30 PM.
Old 03-25-2006, 10:42 PM
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looks like seats are there too me also. i just changed a set of springs today. the only real way to tell is too rotate that seal as said above to see if it's integrated or take the seal off and check if there's a seat actually there. just be carefull taking the seal off if you don't have a replacement
Old 03-25-2006, 10:45 PM
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Here's a pic of everything that came off of one valve, I pulled all the springs and no seats anywhere.
If anyone is thinking of buying heads on ebay make sure you ask alot of questions first.
Attached Thumbnails Valve spring question-valve-seal.jpg  
Old 03-25-2006, 11:14 PM
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What a REAM job.

Good thing you pulled it apart and checked.

Post the name of who you bought them from so I know who to avoid!
Old 03-25-2006, 11:21 PM
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that sucks, just to be sure though put a magnet where the seat should have been then if no seat i would start emailing that seller on ebay ask him what's up. or just order a set of seats somewhere, i dont think seats cost that much. it's the retainers that can get you
Old 03-26-2006, 02:07 AM
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Originally Posted by theinstag8r
looks like seats are there too me also. i just changed a set of springs today. the only real way to tell is too rotate that seal as said above to see if it's integrated or take the seal off and check if there's a seat actually there. just be carefull taking the seal off if you don't have a replacement
Huh? The seats do not look the same as the aluminum of the head. They stand out pretty well from what I remember.
Old 03-26-2006, 07:38 AM
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I went ahead and installed my new cam yesterday and just left the stock heads on the car. When I swapped the springs there was no problem seeing the seats............ of course the stock heads had seats.
Old 03-27-2006, 02:22 AM
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So who was the Ebay seller that sold a set of assembled heads with no spring seats installed? Post his screen name and you could help someone else out!

Thanks!
Old 03-27-2006, 03:47 AM
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Where do you think Pawn Shops sell all the stuff they can't get rid of? If the Pawn Shops won't take the stolen merchandise it can be unloaded there too and maybe at a better price to boot. You were lucky to notice this before you put the head into service and damaged the casting. If you get what appears to be bargain heads you better do a thorogh inspection before using them.
Old 03-27-2006, 02:09 PM
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Who did you buy these heads from? I want to see if its the same guy I bought mine from. I dont have the name right now but I will be checking ...for sure



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