Valve Lapping??????

[Andrew]

Anyone have an opinion on valve lapping? I've heard some people say it is an outdated process and a waste of time. I'm cleaning up some eddie heads that are about 10 years old, but the valves look to be in good condition. I cleaned them up with brake clean and some steal wool. They look pretty good, but i would happily do the labor involved with lapping if it will benefit- though if it is a waste of time I won't bother.

 

[dantrap]

If you have them all apart, I would lap the valves for sure. It does not take much time and I believe it provides a finer surface finish on the valve and seat. I do it because that how i was taught a long time ago, and it made sense to me. Even with todays super hard seat and valve material I think it worth while.

 

[Meep-Meep]

Unless you have an excellent finish that's also concentric, then I agree with Dan. Lapping is all good if you want to freshen up a bit.

 

[Pistol Pete]

I thought this thread was about lesbians. My bad.

 

[69HEMICORONETR/TCONV]

I do it for the same reasons as Dan, I was taught that way and I have always done it.

 

[Andrew]

1st of all 5wndwcpe I just woke up my kids laghing at your reply.

Back to the subject at hand-

I just finished one of the heads. Unfortunatelly I didn't buy 2 stage compound. I usd permatex from a toothpaste style tube. The contact area didnt look bright like I was expecting but rather a dull gray. The finish actually looked better before I started. Should I try to find better compound or is this normal?

 

[dantrap]

Andrew, best i can tell from the photos you should be ok. I will add, that I only lap valves on used pieces if I have the heads apart for some reason (springs, porting etc). But with fresh parts from the shop Its not required.

 

[midnightrider1818]

yeah ive done alot of valve lapping. what i do is take a marker and paint the contact surface on the valve where the valve meets the seat and sit it down in the seat and turn it a little and pull it back up and see where the paint came off the valve at and that away you can see how well it is seating and where at on the valve it is seating. just a tech tip

 

[Andrew]

Should I polish it?

 

[69HEMICORONETR/TCONV]

I think it would be fine, it looks good.

 

[Andrew]

That's what I wanted to hear. Now I just have to do the other head and slap the heads together and on to the block. I'm sure I'll have more questions, so don't go anywhere...and thanks.

 

[69HEMICORONETR/TCONV]

That's what I wanted to hear. Now I just have to do the other head and slap the heads together and on to the block. I'm sure I'll have more questions, so don't go anywhere...and thanks.

Cool !.....Glad we could help you out,....As far as going anywhere myself and some of the other very knowledgeable "Mopar Gearheads" seem to like it here and we hang out often,..........We'll be here...........Good Luck with your Project.

 

[Meep-Meep]

Yep, dull gray and smooth is normal. Looks good. What's more important is the seat width and position on the valve as that's the primary path for heat transfer out of the valve head. Looks like you have some good margin too.

 

[383man]

I always lap my valves. It also shows you where the seat is contacting the valve face. Ron

 

[t67power]

I always lap the valves because it's so important for a good seal.