INSPECTING VALVES BEFORE REBUILDING A CYLINDER HEAD Using a gasket scraper, clean all carbon deposits from valve heads. Follow this by cleaning with a wire brush and solvent. Keep all valves organized so they will be put back in their original locations in the head....
IN DEPTH DISCUSSION I’ve found another use for a deck height bridge. When replacing seats on race cylinder heads, especially Big Block Chev, I use a deck bridge with an indicator extension to first check where the valve was and should be. Then when machining the seats...
COMBUSTION CHAMBER MOLDS When making chamber molds for a variety of purposes, including holding up the valves on the assembly bench (As opposed to a beanbag or shop rag) common auto body filler (Bondo) works very well. It’s fast and very inexpensive. Just mix the body...
NON-STICK EQUALS NICER FINISH I find that when machining some valve seats my cutter will get a build up and give a poor finish. I use a small knife to scrape the cutter clean, than I smear PAM (non-stick spray) on the seat and the cutter for the last .002” cut. It...
RESURFACED HEAD DEBURRING TOOL I found a great tool for deburring combustion chambers after resurfacing cylinder heads. I took a common chainsaw sharpening file, removed the “rat tail” handle, chamfered and radiused this end for a comfortable fit in my hand. I also...
MAGNETIC CATCH MATS Small valve locks, especially those for obscure import applications, can be difficult to get into place and inevitably, if you’re not careful, can pop out and easily get lost on or under your work station. Magnetic sheeting is available in one foot...