Valve preload problems

[Sammy]

Hi,

Despite my rebuild taking ages (for various reasons), I've finally got the heads on and am fitting the rocker assembly.

I have a shim kit for the rocker assembly posts, and eventually I worked out how to do the preload. However, I get big variations between valves. At first I wasn't sure why, because practically everything is new (new rods, camshaft, tappets, valves, rockers etc).

Then I took the assembly off and looked at the valve tops, and sure enough they are different heights - I have had the valve seats re-cut, and they've obviously had different amounts cut out.

Whats the best option?
- Take the heads off and get the seats re-cut again (another huge wait but best outcome)
- Make do with a couple of valves with under or over preload tolerence
- Get adjustable push-rods

Any suggestions?

thanks
Sammy

[ChrisJC]

I would get the valves recut properly. Maybe the place that did it before can be persuaded to do it right next time!

Chris.

[mgbv8]

Put a straight edge across the valve tops so you can get some measurements for the guys who did the valves.

I guess when they re cut they have some way of making sure that the cuts are all the same depth?

[ChrisJC]

I have had this issue myself once - which made me realise that you do have to tell the guys that cut the valves that they must all be the same.

Chris.

[Sammy]

Thanks for replies, I'll take the heads off and get the seats cut again to the same depth.
Will I be able to re-use the composite head gaskets?

[ChrisJC]

Head gaskets are not reusable unfortunately.

Chris.