Using later valves in a '39 flathead

corsair_kid1979

corsair_kid1979

Junior Member
Just wondering if you can use the later 8BA style valves and guides in the earlier flathead blocks? I have a bunch of valves, but not many guides. Seems the later valve and guides are cheaper than the split-style guides.
 
This should pose no problem as long as the complete 8ba assembly is used. I opened up a 38 engine for inspection and it had one 8ba valve and the rest mushrooms.
 
You can definitely use the later (8BA type) valves in your 39 block.....just use the matching 8BA valve components with them (springs, spring retainers, keepers, guides). The valve guide retainers (40-6510) are the same either way.
 
This is pretty much what all of us do . . . as the split guides tend to move around a bit (between the two) and are harder on valve stems as a result. The best situation is to buy a whole valve assembly "kit" - where you have the valves, guides, retainers, keepers and springs. Mac is a good supplier for these parts - as are others.
 
B&S, Corsair is a new poster here on the Barn, I thought we might want to be sure he understands your reference to Mac is Mac VanPlet, NOT Mac's! :)

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/

Lots of good information on his site in addition to the parts for sell.
 
Thanks guys for this. I am relatively new here, but somewhat of a regular on the HAMB forum. Thanks for the info, rather new to the flathead, but have worked on a few over the years.
 
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