Re: hardened valve spring seats

Posted by Jack Vines On 2014/6/29 16:59:50

Packard technical writers are the only ones I've ever seen refer to them as "valve spring seats", but they do.

In the same 1956 Shop Manual, the Studebaker technical writers call them "valve spring retainers".

In any case, you are correct in that early retainers are too soft. Check yours with a file. If the file easily cuts an edge, then they're bad. If the file skates and doesn't easily cut, they're good.

Question about the retainers. I've seen a few replacement retainers with a molded rubber seal around the base of the opening. If they have a few years on them, the rubber always cracks off. Anyone else noticed this?

While you're in there, might as well check the valve spring tension. At least 50% of those I check are below the 87-97# @ 1.75" requirement.

jack vines