Roof overhead update

[Ralph F]

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

[Joe Bell]

You will love how it performs!

[Dodge]

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]

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]

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.

[Ralph F]

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]

Ralph

my go-to supplier of springs:

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

[Dan McEachern]

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]

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…

[Scott_Conger]

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.

[tman1913]

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]

Here is the URL: https://www.sbintl.com/Home/AboutENG

[Dodge]

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


Dodge

[Mark Gregush]

John thanks for posting that link. I was trying to think of the name of the company/catalog I spent hours looking at trying to find valves for my Chevrolet overhead conversion.

[Ralph F]

Again gentleman thanks for the good information.
Fitz

[David Greenlees]

Fitz, It's good to learn that you are still involved with Model T speed equipment. Haven't seen you in over 40 years and hope that this Roof head works out well for you. If you are ever headed down here, you are more than welcome to visit the shop and see more T racing equipment and kick tires.