Valve spring dampeners.

Okay, here's one for you technical guys.  What practical function do the valve spring dampeners have on the splasher engine?  I see no reference to them in the Step-down 8's.  What would happen if I left them out?   I have a '37 motor stripped down, and all the exhaust valves were stuck, and  tight in the guides through carbon build-up. The springs are a tight fit in  the dampener, which would cause the valve to close more slowly than if there was no friction  here.  My theory is that if the valves are closing slower they will be noisy, and more carbon can build up.   What thinkest thou gents?
Geoff 

Comments

  • Yes, it has the 3/8" valves, not good I know.  I remember reading somewhere that it was recommended to leave the dampeners out, but cannot find the reference. Looking at the parts  interchange catalog, I see that there is a different part number for the valve springs from 1941 onwards.  Intriguing.   I will replace the guides and valves anyway  with 11/32".   thanks for the input Ken.
    Geoff 
  • I was told they also helped lube the valve stems.
  • 1936 and 1937 motors were the only ones that had the 3/8" valve stems. I have stripped a few motors and the only motors I have seen that had the spring dampeners on were 1936 motors. But then I bought a set of 3/8" guides and valves and then later found that a previous owner had fitted 11/32 guides and valves to my 37T motor. Only the exhaust NOS valve guides that I have bought have had the counter bore for the carbon buildup.
  • Yes, I have new  11/32"valve guides, and they are longer, with a recess for the carbon build-up.
    Geoff
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