Cylinder head rebuild

[jpyke]

Hi folks

Just turned my attention back to the cylinder heads. I've had new valve guides and new valves and they've been ground in, but I was wondering whether it would be prudent to replace anything else at this stage. It's worth mentioning that the engine has only done 58k miles and that the cams and followers look like they've had very little wear. Should I replace the springs? I'm not sure if they fatigue with age or with use or both?

I figured I would do some light port polishing whilst I've got them all apart so am off to the shed to start this now!

[Coppo]

imported post

Hi.

Deffo put new springs in, I made that mistake and after 100 miles they started making a noise. Found three of them where knackered on the right hand head.

For the price they cost, it's worth it.

Paul

[V Mad]

imported post

Only 58k? That is not a low mileage.

Yes replace springs with best quality you can get. Also, check the fit of the cam followers in the bores; if they rock they are worn.

[jpyke]

imported post

V Mad wrote:

Only 58k? That is not a low mileage.

Yes replace springs with best quality you can get. Also, check the fit of the cam followers in the bores; if they rock they are worn.

I suppose I'm thinking that 58k is low mileage for a car that is 38 years old - my 1998 Saab has done 160k, but I take your point, this is a Stag engine. It did have a rebuild in the late 90s so this is not an engine that has received no attention since it was made.

Regarding spring qualities how can you tell which suppliers stock good ones? I guess you can tell by the price? Would you have a recommended supplier for these?

I've had a trawl around the suppliers and there are marginal differences in price but I'd put these down to their pricing structures rather than the quality of the goods on offer...

[Coppo]

imported post

Agree with V Mad, put new cam followers the weakened springs made mine rattle.

New springs and followers = Sweet running and sounding heads....