Valve spring install help.

[f_inscreenname]

Hi all;
I am installing new valve springs (Crane #99839-16) in my 1986 454 heads and have a question or two.
1, Do I reuse the (lack of a better term) sleeves that are around the stock valve springs now?
2, Do I re-use the spring rotators that also came with the heads originally?
There is nothing on their website about it and their Tech line does not open for another 4 days.
Thanks

 

[wncrjb]

Re: Valve spring install help.

I don't know if it's right or wrong, but the last 454 I built, I did re-use the rotators but only after I checked them to make sure there were not distorted or have any hair-line cracks in them.

The only time I ever replaced the rotators is when I built a 454 for drag racing and I went with a wild cam with a very stiff spring. In a stock or mild application, the rotators hold up quite well, just make sure the valve keepers are installed correctly.

I presume the sleeves you are taking about are the little tin cups that go on the outside of the spring, under the rotators?
It is a good idea to use them because they help deflect the oil from running down the valve stem past the valve stem seals and getting into the cylinder.
FWIW... I have had better luck using the umbrella valve seals as opposed to the o-ring style.

Hope this helps.....

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Valve spring install help.

Ya, the kit came with the umbrella seals. If it didn't I would have had to get them. I was just reading how some 454 heads have rotators, some don't and then there is the ones that only have them on one set of valves. ie; exhaust or intake valves only. Strange world these big blocks are. A chapter right out of Mopar. :^
I also just read about "oil splash shield's" (as they are called, learn something new every day) on OSO and think I will keep them.
Thanks

 

[wncrjb]

Re: Valve spring install help.

The rotators are actually only needed on the exhaust valve. It lets the valve rotate slightly each time it opens to help reduce hot spots on the valve.

 

[Don S]

Re: Valve spring install help.

If you have already removed the old springs and taken the valves out, you MUST get a complete valve job done. Grind the seats and the valves.
Valves WITHOUT the rotators tend to hit in the exact same place evey time. If you turn them even a little bit, they will not seal and kill your compression.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Valve spring install help.

Would it hurt to run them on both?
Want to keep the same spring height without buying the spacers that replace them.
PS I am building a real mild motor. Stock it was 340hp and I bet it will not be much over 375hp when done.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Valve spring install help.

I don't think those springs use the rotators. Here is the install specs for the springs.

Recommended Camshaft Style Flat tappet hydraulic
Installed Height (in) 1.800 in.
Seat Pressure at Installed Height (lbs) 121 lbs.
Open Height (in) 1.300 in.
Open Pressure (lbs) 298 lbs.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Valve spring install help.

I also found this.

What are Required Parts?

Additional parts that are required in order to install or use part number CRN-99839-16.

Part#/Description Price + to Cart/Wishlist
CRN-99948-16 Ship by: Tuesday
Valve Spring Retainers, Steel, 7 Degree, 1.500 in. Outside Diameter, .675 in. Inside Diameter, Set of 16
$56.88
CRN-99957-16 Ship by: Tuesday
Valve Spring Retainers, Steel, 7 Degree, 1.500 in. Outside Diameter, .675 in. Inside Diameter, Set of 16
$56.88

Look here Summit Racing

 

[Buttanic]

Re: Valve spring install help.

It may not be true in all cases but valves with rotators usually use a shorter spring. I know this to be true on my 350 Chevy engine with rotators on the exhaust only. The exhaust spring is about .1" shorter than the intake spring. If you use the longer spring with the rotator you will coil bind it,