Keepers And Shims

[sen2two]

I finally received all my stuff/tools to remove and install valves and springs onto my P heads. I removed all the goodies from another set of heads to install onto the P heads.

My question is, is it OK to reuse the shims and keepers? Or are these to be replaced with every install?

Also, is a valve spring mic really needed to decide on what shims are needed?

On a side note, I'm looking for a good quality valve stem seams. Any recommendations?

 

[CarMichael Angelo]

I would reuse things that didn't look worn. You'll need to be able to measure installed height at a recommended spring pressure
(Like 200lbs at 1.900") or what ever the spring is rated at for it's installed height. If you wanna check it.

If not, there'll be some trial and error to get the spring installed at the recommended height using the shims (which may be different thicknesses), and a regular machinists little six in ruler would suffice.
Put the valve in the head, install the retainer and locks, measure the distance between the spring seat and the bottom of the retainer, and add/subtract shims accordingly until you get the distance of what the installed height should be.

You just won't know how much spring pressure is there when assembled, where coil bind is at full lift (until you get the heads on w/ the rockers mocked up), and what your spring pressure fully open at max lift it is.

And I've always had the heads machined for teflon seals.

 

[sen2two]

I'm 90% certain the valve springs are Alex parts set just by comparing pictures to what I have. But I got them on another set of gt40 heads already assembled. But I have no way of knowing what these springs actually are...

How would one determine the installed height?

What is the normal tolerance of installed height to be in the safe range? +/- .010", +/- .050"?

I'm leaking oil at the head gasket, valve cover, and rear of the lower intake manifold. As well as coolant from the lower intake. I just need to get these heads assembled now and I can swap it all in and be leak free finally!

 

[sen2two]

I emailed Alexparts.com last night and they responded already. I would have to send the springs in for testing. It's only $15. But I don't really have the time right now to wait for shipping back and forth.

Well these came off a perfectly running set of gt40 heads. And are being swapped onto a set of gt40p heads. I'm going to reuse the shims. I kept all the shims with the springs they came from.

Hopefully my gamble turns out ok...