Valve Question

[Bob from Northport]

Can anyone advise if the valves on a Model T, with the head removed, sit slightly about the block surface, or do they sit flush with the top surface??
We are trying to judge how worn the valves are on a T engine.

Thanks!!

 

[redmodelt]

The valves would sit above the deck. When they get down to the point where they are all most or level, time for new seats and valves. Just replacing the valves will only help so much. Over the years the seats have been ground and it's the seats maybe more so then the valves that need attention. If they are the old original valves they should be replaced anyway. If the engine has the original solid lifters, they are more prone to cupping then Model A because of the small foot print of the stem. If the engine has adjustable lifters you will still need to grind the valve stem for preliminary install.
Might be more info then you need but other read this so..

 

[Royce P]

The more "sunk" the valve is the less air it will flow. Performance is significantly affected by worn valves and seats.

One easy way to get that performance back is to use oversize valves to regain the proper valve / seat relationship without having to install expensive valve seats. I have used Fordson valves to do this, the Fordson valves have 11/32" stem diameter and 1.66" head diameter.