Classic/Antique Car Repair/engine valves

Advertisement

Expert: - 8/30/2010


Question
Dear Jack, I'm about to pull head and renew valves and guides on my '31 Ford pickup. I want to know why there is a choice between original type valves with split guides and the "modern style" valves and one piece guides. They're both made of stainless steel but the new type are more than twice the cost! Am I missing something here?? Thanks for your input , Pete.

Answer
I did not know the prices.  If that is the case, go with the old original.  There is nothing wrong with them.  The old ones cost about $110 and the modern cost about $135.  Now, what am I missing.  ($57 valves+ $53 for guides, Old style)  Assuming that you do need new guides.  If your old guides are OK, then just put in new valves.  You may have the new style in there already.  I found the new ones in my engine.  
I recommend you keep whatever kind you find when you take it apart.  
Good luck.
jack

Classic/Antique Car Repair

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

jack bahm

Expertise

Only repair type questions on the 1928-1931 Ford Model A.

Experience

Owned one when I was 15 yrs old, and now have owned 5. Still own and play with 2 of them.

Organizations
Oakleaf region of MARC. Model A Restorers Club. I have put several Model A videos on the Oakleaf site that may be of help. Things like how to start the A, how to Time it, how to troubleshoot it.. Go to oakleafregion.org and you will find them. jack

Publications
"More than you need to know about cars." Just a small book for Car Nuts. Blurb.com "Model A Ford Tips and Hints" Blurb.com 2010 Many Model A movies that can be found on youtube.com/jackbahm

Education/Credentials
BSME LSU, 1958, Masters of automotive engineering from the Chrysler Institute of engineering, 1960, MBA Mich State, 1976. Worked as an engineer at Chrysler from 1958 to the end of 1991.

Awards and Honors
Two patents while working in auto industry.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.