Beehive Valve Spring Retainer Heights

[FSA1673]

Never knew they made different height retainers. I knew abut the locks for the retainers, being -0.050, 0.000, and +0.050.

Thanks, Scott

[Darrin Christen]

Originally Posted by FSA1673

Never knew they made different height retainers. I knew abut the locks for the retainers, being -0.050, 0.000, and +0.050.

Thanks, Scott

Yes they make different installed height retainers and locks. Also, just because one company says their locks are standard or + .050 or - .050 doesn't mean that they will be the same installed height of a different brand retainer or lock. I had two different brand locks that were supposed to be standard and they were .030 different. Don't take nothing for granted.

[joelster]

Is the beehive retainer using the same lock angle as your double spring retainer? I bet one is 10 and the other is 7 yet you are using the same locks. They won't fit right if you put a 10 degree lock into a 7 degree retainer.

[james schaechter]

I can't speak for what your old springs were, but I can tell you that the PAC retainers for 1409 beehives are thinner, lighter and stronger than most. Typically, they have a higher natural installed height because of this compared to the other brand beehive retainers out there.

E mail me with specifics and I can offer some suggestions on PAC part numbers for keepers depending upon the valves you use.

Jimschaechter@earthlink.net

[FSA1673]

Old tool steel retainers are 10 degree standard locks. New beehive retainers are 7 degree standard locks. There is over 0.100 in the difference from the macined spring pad to the underside of the retainer. The beehive retainer is lower.

I talked to PAC yesterday an they said their lightweight tool steel retainer for the beehive installs approximately 0.100 higher than the standard chromoly retainer. He told me to use R643 for the retainer on the 1409 spring. PAC also told me I would need to buy mini 8 locks to go with the new retainer and that should give me enough room. The trouble is the innner diameter of the 1409 spring is 0.650 and the outer diameter of the inner ring for the retainer is 0.658 according to their catalog. Which should not work.

I will have to call them back to today and make sure it is not the R633 retainer I need.

Thanks for all the help.