Roof overhead update

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Ralph F
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First Name: Ralph
Last Name: Fitz-Gerald
Location: Monkton, Vermont

Roof overhead update

Post by Ralph F » Sun Mar 01, 2026 5:38 pm

IMG_8587.jpeg
I just got the head back the machine shop this week. The head got 8 new valves, 2 new valve guides and 6 bronze inserts. There is a serial number on the front of the head and it is 1077 X. There is freeze plug on the top of the head that has some number but are pretty hard to read
Fitz
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Joe Bell
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Re: Roof overhead update

Post by Joe Bell » Sun Mar 01, 2026 8:19 pm

You will love how it performs!


Dodge
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Re: Roof overhead update

Post by Dodge » Mon Mar 02, 2026 2:04 am

Hey Ralph,
How rusty were those vavle springs before everything was cleaned up? Valve springs tend break when they've been rusted and pitted.
just say'n....


TXGOAT2
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Re: Roof overhead update

Post by TXGOAT2 » Mon Mar 02, 2026 12:36 pm

I would not run those valve springs. Even a single small rust pit, nick, or scratch can cause a spring to break in service, possibly leading to a dropped valve.


Scott_Conger
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Re: Roof overhead update

Post by Scott_Conger » Mon Mar 02, 2026 12:46 pm

I am really glad someone spoke up about the valves - overheads are beyond my experience and expertise, but I do know metal and was hoping someone with conviction would step in.
Scott Conger

Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny

NH Full Flow Float Valves™
Obsolete carburetor parts manufactured


Topic author
Ralph F
Posts: 177
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First Name: Ralph
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Location: Monkton, Vermont

Re: Roof overhead update

Post by Ralph F » Wed Mar 04, 2026 9:47 pm

Thanks fellows for pointing out to me that I need to replace these valve springs. Would you be able to recommend who
I should contact for replacement springs. Again thanks for the advice.
Fitz


Scott_Conger
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Re: Roof overhead update

Post by Scott_Conger » Wed Mar 04, 2026 9:58 pm

Ralph

my go-to supplier of springs:

https://www.leespring.com/compression-springs
Scott Conger

Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny

NH Full Flow Float Valves™
Obsolete carburetor parts manufactured


Dan McEachern
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Re: Roof overhead update

Post by Dan McEachern » Thu Mar 05, 2026 12:21 am

Just a FYI- regular music wire springs do not have the fatigue resistance needed for an application like this. You really need a spring made of a material suited for use as a valve spring. The challenge will be finding one with wire small enough wire to keep the seat pressure around 50-60 lbs.


Kevin Pharis
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Re: Roof overhead update

Post by Kevin Pharis » Thu Mar 05, 2026 12:48 am

The stock T valve springs are working fine in my Akron-Hed overhead. Chebby valves and keepers, and 8N tractor spring retainers are a perfect fit. I went looking for off the shelf valve springs last year for a Fronty, and found that all the light pressure options had been discontinued… :roll:


Scott_Conger
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Re: Roof overhead update

Post by Scott_Conger » Fri Mar 06, 2026 10:12 am

Dan

thank you for info regarding music wire. I've never given it any thought at all regarding valve springs since my spring requirements are typically all carburetor or die-stamping applications. Never too old to learn something new :)

Now I had to do some research, and it does turn out that Lee Spring does in fact sell chrome silicon springs suitable for valve springs. Since I'd never had a need to purchase such a product, their alloy springs were news to me as of this AM. Whether or not they actually carry something that would be appropriate in this application, I haven't a clue...

Hopefully, Ralph will find the right spring for the application soon.
Scott Conger

Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny

NH Full Flow Float Valves™
Obsolete carburetor parts manufactured


tman1913
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Re: Roof overhead update

Post by tman1913 » Fri Mar 06, 2026 1:20 pm

I always go to SBI. You can download a PDF. Starting on page 1083 (springs). You will need information from your spring. Takes some time but if they don’t have it l would be shocked. They have all things for overheads. I have used them for Roof, Rajo and Fronty heads


Jahn_Wright
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Re: Roof overhead update

Post by Jahn_Wright » Fri Mar 06, 2026 2:12 pm

Jahn
1925 Coupe--owned by my Grandfather


Dodge
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Re: Roof overhead update

Post by Dodge » Fri Mar 06, 2026 4:58 pm

Another good source is: Diamon wire spring company. You can download their catalog for stocking springs or have them custom made.


Dodge

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