skyhiranger
Member
I seached, but didn't see anything about these...as far as stock Ford parts go.
I did do a google search, and it appears that they are valve spring shims. The markings on the shims are "V.S.I. 101".
http://www.who-sells-it.com/cy/goodson-tools-supplies-4801/2011-tools-supplies-for-engine-builders-24563/vsi-valve-spring-shims.html
It is apparent that this engine has been into before, at some point (not surprising, for a 61 year old tractor). The block has been drilled, so a pin/punch/rod can be used to hold the adjustable tappets in place, instead of having to use the tappet wrenches. And also one exhaust valve is dished on top, instead of flat, like the stock ones. It also had a "soft" headgasket on it.
Anyway, long story short....I am putting some new valve springs in my '51 8N.
When I disassembled the old valves (it has rotating exhaust valves and solid guides), there was a shim between the valve spring retainer and also the valve guide retainer, on all 8 valves. The shims are marked "this side up" (although not all were installed the same way). :roll:
The shim that is nearest to the valve head is slightly thicker and copper colored, as compared to the one nearest the valve stem tip, that is thinner and silver colored.
I am wondering if I need to put these shims back in, or not (I would guess "no")? Since I don't see them listed in the Parts catalog, the FO-4 manual, or the owners manual, I am not sure why they were there, or what their purpose is. Most of the old valve springs do have a bow to them, so maybe that has something to do with the shims being there?
If I do need to put the shims back in, what is the proper orientation for them? Meaning, should the "this side up" side, go towards the retainers, or actually face "up" as the valves are installed, or face towards the ends of the spring?
Any help/advice/insight, would be greatly appreciated.
I tried to link some pics, but since I am a new registration, it won't let me.
I did do a google search, and it appears that they are valve spring shims. The markings on the shims are "V.S.I. 101".
http://www.who-sells-it.com/cy/goodson-tools-supplies-4801/2011-tools-supplies-for-engine-builders-24563/vsi-valve-spring-shims.html
It is apparent that this engine has been into before, at some point (not surprising, for a 61 year old tractor). The block has been drilled, so a pin/punch/rod can be used to hold the adjustable tappets in place, instead of having to use the tappet wrenches. And also one exhaust valve is dished on top, instead of flat, like the stock ones. It also had a "soft" headgasket on it.
Anyway, long story short....I am putting some new valve springs in my '51 8N.
When I disassembled the old valves (it has rotating exhaust valves and solid guides), there was a shim between the valve spring retainer and also the valve guide retainer, on all 8 valves. The shims are marked "this side up" (although not all were installed the same way). :roll:
The shim that is nearest to the valve head is slightly thicker and copper colored, as compared to the one nearest the valve stem tip, that is thinner and silver colored.
I am wondering if I need to put these shims back in, or not (I would guess "no")? Since I don't see them listed in the Parts catalog, the FO-4 manual, or the owners manual, I am not sure why they were there, or what their purpose is. Most of the old valve springs do have a bow to them, so maybe that has something to do with the shims being there?
If I do need to put the shims back in, what is the proper orientation for them? Meaning, should the "this side up" side, go towards the retainers, or actually face "up" as the valves are installed, or face towards the ends of the spring?
Any help/advice/insight, would be greatly appreciated.
I tried to link some pics, but since I am a new registration, it won't let me.