valve guide ?'s
 

I am ready to assemble a set of SBC iron race heads. it will be some time yet before the short block is done. so...what type of lube do you prefer to use on the stems? these are new stainless stems and new bronze guides. your thoughts on valve seals-yes or no or ?
thanks
Rod in AZ

Re: valve guide ?'s
 

Depends. If you have honed the guides (what type of bronze guides?) or cut them with a diamond cutter, I have always used engine oil or engine assembly oil. If the stem to guide clearance is minimal (~ .001 or less intake and ~.0015 exhaust), no seals.

My older brother and his wife live in Kingman. Has the Dean Peak fire been contained?

Re: valve guide ?'s
 

a light polish of the valve stems first ( any fine emery cloth ) check the valves in their respective dry to verify there are no tight spots. any engine type assembly lube. (not white grease) be sure to push the lubed stem in/out/around a ton to prevent any dry spots. .002'' clearance on both is SAFE. I like a Viton rubber/positive seal on the intake and a rubber umbrella on the exh. (compcams has a beauty vioton/steel jacket we use on the intake with various dia. guide o.d.)

Re: valve guide ?'s
 

We are not a fan of STP however,We us it on valve stem -guide assembly because that area is one of the first to get heat and the last to get oil,the heavy viscosity hangs on the stem for new run in.Bill C.

Re: valve guide ?'s
 

Not trying to be a wise guy but .002" sounds a bit loose...Isn't .001-0015 more or
less the desired clearance in a bronze guide situation?

Re: valve guide ?'s
 

Rod,
I would say it depends on how long it will really be before they are run. Lubriplate 105 engine assembly lube seems to last forever without running off or hardening up. The Gibbs assembly grease seems to be pretty good but I have not seen it long term. I think that any liquid type of lube is going to be gone after a month or so, even the thicker assembly lubes.

I know that nobody likes it, but personally I tell my customers not to put that type of stuff together until you are ready to run it. They will build an engine and then let it sit for 4 years while they are restoring the rest of the car :(

I would set up and check all the heights , put the stuff in a box and assemble it when you are ready to finish the engine.

That being said, if you are only talking a month or so, the Gibbs grease is what I would use.

Just my opinion,

Re: valve guide ?'s
 

ive found .002'' at least on the exh. for sure. intake might go to .0015'' if honed but I can sleep at night with the touch more...

Re: valve guide ?'s
 

I found that looser guide clearance beats up the seats in the heads.