VALVE GRINDING...grinding your head...

You can do this yourself if your head(s) is not in very bad shape and can get by with just a regrind. Sometimes you can delay a head rebuild by regrinding the valves.

Tools Needed:

Water Based (or course) valve grinding compound
Grease based (or fine) valve grinding compound
Valve Suction Cup
Diesel or other non-water liquid
1) Remove Valves
2) Using Water (course) valve grinding compound, line the valve seat.
3) Dip top of valve in oil. Just a light coating will help it go into the valve guide and make it easier to move.
4) Insert valve for that particular cyilnder. Note, do not use just one valve for all the grinding. After you grind a valve, put it in that positoin and do not use it again on another valve seat.
 

5) Using valve suction cup, put both hands on the shaft and rotated the shaft. It's just like starting a fire with sticks. You may find it a little difficult to move. Sometimes I used one hand on the other end of the valve to help it. Grind until you hear a change in the sound.

6) Remove Valve. You should see a light ring of gray. You may see some discoloration. There should not be too much. If there is too much, try again with the water based compound. If there are only small minor spots, proceed to step 7.

For example, Click here to see one that needs to be ground a second time
7)Line Valve Seat with grease (fine) based compound. Repeat same steps as with water based compound.
8) When you are done, you should have a seat and a Valve that look like this:
9) TESTING: You need to test your valves to make sure they are going to hold. Easiest (though not the cleanest) is to get a small bottle of diesel (or any other non-water liquid). Set the valves, install the springs, locks, and retainers. Pour some fluid down the intakes and exhaust ports and watch to leaks. It is best to do this outside on a piece of grass you don't mind dying. Also get some saw horses or something to prop up the head so you can watch it. You are going to look for leaks around the valves. If after 30 seconds you see no leaks, you should be fine. If you notice leaks at about 20 seconds, pull those valves and regrind. If you notice leaks at less the 10 seconds, more then likely you need to get it rebuilt, but you can try regrinding.
   
   
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