I thought I would post this for the guys who haven't had the opportunity to learn just what is involved in a valve job:

Cylinder Head Checklist

1. Identify and verify cylinder head and application.
2. Inspect for any obvious cracks or defects.
3. Disassemble, noting locations of various sensors, brackets, plugs, valve rotators, seals, etc. If the head has an overhead cam, index and note the location of followers, lifters (adjusters), etc. Remove all plugs, etc.
4. Inspect for cracks, broken guides, etc.
5. Thoroughly clean the head, springs, valves, and all other parts.
6. Check the head for cracks, using the proper method for the type of head, i.e.: Dye-penetrant for aluminum, magnetic particle for cast iron. Check the head for warp and twist.
7. Inspect valves, discarding those exhibiting excessive stem wear, insufficient margin, cupping, cracks, or any condition making the valve unsuitable for re-use.
8. Reface the valves, making sure to check for insufficient margins when done. Always be sure to refinish the small end of the valve.
9. Check the valve guides for wear. Replace or recondition those that are beyond specs.
10. Recondition the valve seats. Replace those that are pitted or pounded out. Make sure to maintain proper seat location and width by grinding or cutting and using the proper correction angles. Lapping-in of the valves is highly recommended.
11. Check the valve springs. Discard and replace those that do not meet specs.
12. Check all remaining components. Repair or replace those that are damaged or worn.
13. Repair any stripped or damaged bolt holes in the head.
14. Resurface the head if necessary.
15. Clean the head and all related parts thoroughly.
16. Reassemble the head, checking and correcting valve stem installed height, valve spring installed height, etc.
17. Reinstall sensors, plugs, cam & followers, etc., as necessary.

This is one of the hand outs that I used when I taught engine rebuilding at our local college.

tom

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Ya cain't fix stoopid, but ya kin TAX it!

Good info....Thanks for sharing Tom.

Thanks, Tom.

BTW, what do you use as a rule of thumb for valve stem wear? I've always used .001 or less as still good. A friend of mine says .0005 or less. Vizard's book says .002.

Anything more than .001" is practically doubling the stem-to-guide clearance, so that is my high limit.
As far as Vizard's limit, well that is why I consider him a hack.

tom

__________________
Ya cain't fix stoopid, but ya kin TAX it!

Thanks. I'll stick to what I've been doing.

Good.

BTW, I saw that giant traffic pile-up that happened near you on TV. On one of the spanish channels! Yakkity yak yabba dabba do!

tom

__________________
Ya cain't fix stoopid, but ya kin TAX it!

Yes, we missed it. My wife and I had been through there a little earlier before the snow came down in earnest. There must have been a lot of people out shopping early for Christmas! 88 cars???

Am I allowed to say Christmas?