Problems assembling Patriot heads (spring seats)
Thread Starter
8 sec potential, 12 sec slip
iTrader: (50)
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,092
Likes: 2
From: Savannah, GA
I ordered the 'kit' Gunnar was offering a couple months ago. Just got around to assembling them. I ordered stock LQ9 (035) heads, and the gold dual spring kit that came with springs, seats, seals, and ti retainers. Anyways, I am trying to put the seats on, and they won't fit down over the valve guides. Am I missing something here? I measured the ID of the seats, and they are .509~.510. The valve guide OD is about .050 bigger (.559ish). Did I get the wrong seats in my kit? Do the guides or seats need to be machined? Surely that can't be a press fit. .050 I would think is way to much for that??
Whats the deal here?
Last edited by ChevyChad; Feb 10, 2007 at 06:25 PM.
Originally Posted by ChevyChad
I ordered the 'kit' Gunnar was offering a couple months ago. Just got around to assembling them. I ordered stock LQ9 (035) heads, and the gold dual spring kit that came with springs, seats, seals, and ti retainers. Anyways, I am trying to put the seats on, and they won't fit down over the valve guides. Am I missing something here? I measured the ID of the seats, and they are .509~.510. The valve guide OD is about .050 bigger (.059ish). Did I get the wrong seats in my kit? Do the guides or seats need to be machined? Surely that can't be a press fit. .050 I would think is way to much for that??
Whats the deal here?
You simply have the locators for a stock diameter valve guide. You can exchange them for the .570" inside diameter version, or if you know someone with a lathe have them bored out so that you have about .003" clearance. It's about a ten minute job. I do it all the time.
Thread Starter
8 sec potential, 12 sec slip
iTrader: (50)
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,092
Likes: 2
From: Savannah, GA
I don't understand why he would sent me the wrong set when I ordered it all at the same time from him... this sucks
Tried calling him earlier, but they are not open today...
Tried calling him earlier, but they are not open today... Thread Starter
8 sec potential, 12 sec slip
iTrader: (50)
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,092
Likes: 2
From: Savannah, GA
Yeah, he was very nice to deal with when I placed my order. I am planning on calling him in the morning. We all make mistakes. No big deal. Just glad to know I wasn't doing anything wrong. Good thing I checked here first before I messed something up.
Thread Starter
8 sec potential, 12 sec slip
iTrader: (50)
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,092
Likes: 2
From: Savannah, GA
Gunnar came thru like a champ! He's got a new set on its way. I heard from him at 7:00 this morning and he got right on it. Thanks Patriot for the top notch customer service!
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Originally Posted by ChevyChad
Gunnar came thru like a champ! He's got a new set on its way. I heard from him at 7:00 this morning and he got right on it. Thanks Patriot for the top notch customer service!


No problem, hate that you had any troubles.




