Thread: Hand Lapping Valves

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Is it necessary or recommended to hand lap valves if all I am going to do is dissassemble, clean, inspect, and reassemble a cylinder head? All valve's are labeled in order to reinstall in the same spot they were removed from.

It would not hurt to do it,thats for sure!!!They make some marking compound
just to do that ,it also allows you to check the valve job which is very hard to just see with out a marking compound.
I think they make a lapper suction cup deal that fits a variable speed drill,may save time and your body!!!

As they heads are allready off and disassembled, why not just grind the valves????? Hand lapping the valves in would be the very least I would do....

if you are going to lap the valves i use clover oil base works the best

I'd cut them/ have them cut at 45*, have the seats cut at 3 angles. 31, 45 and 60

cuting them would be the best. like matt said a basic 3 angle valve job.30 45 60

I believe my 350 heads were cleaned, seats cut and valves ground for about $130. You may need other parts such as springs if yours are worn. It may bite a bit into the cashflow now, but it is worth it in the long run if you look at time invested and all that.

Well, I've been accused of being old school and I'm guilty as charged. I have the machine shop grind the valves on 3 angles like Matt alluded to, but then I take 'em home and lap 'em in myself with compound and a suction cup tool. I've had guys at the machine shop give me grief for it, saying that their grinding job doesn't have to be lapped, but I'm gonna do it anyway. Always have, always will.

Originally Posted by pat mccarthy

if you are going to lap the valves i use clover oil base works the best

Clover oil base? Would I get that at the grocery store? Kidding...I have never heard of that stuff. Was just going to use lapping compound?

Nope, not spending a dime on these. Just wondering if lapping is good insurance on a clean/rebuild. Sounds like it is and I also read somewhere that I could use dry-erase marker to check the valve/seat contact?? Anyone done that (color the valve, drop it in, give it a little twist, and pull it out to see where the marker was rubbed off) ?? Might be able to determine the same during a lap-job yes?

I'll also get new springs, definitely new springs.

Sounds good...thanks Denny.

(I know, that was a pretty lame joke...grocery store )

K-D Tool Hand Valve Grinder 505..........e-bay has them too

I tried those and hated them, but Judy can make some good margarita's with it.