Flathead worn valve guide ?

[Harold Degand]

Hi flathead gurus.

I think some valves have to much play in their guide.
Is there a way to measure this play ?

This is a French flat, guides are one piece style and plain.
There is no groove to put the seal in it.

Can the french guide be replaced by a 8ba part ?
I was told french valve are shorter than 8ba, and the lifter is longer.
But what about stem diameter ?

Thanks for your help.

For example :

 

[Ronnieroadster]

On my NOS French block I installed all new Ford 8BA valve train parts. The answer to your question about the valve guide is yes the 8BA guide is a perfect replacement for the French block.
Ronnieroadster

 

[Ronnieroadster]

Don't know if the French valve is shorter and the lifter longer to me that makes no sense there would be any difference. I do know the Ford valves' and lifter work perfectly in the French block
We know the connecting rods were different lengths to make up the difference if the crank was the 3-3/4 stroke or the 4 inch stroke. That was done so only one style of piston was needed the standard 3-3/4 pin location.
The connecting rod for the 4 inch stroke crank was shorter. The connecting rod for the 3-3/4 stroke crank was the stock Ford 7 inch center line length.
Ronnieroadster