Dee - My Spitfire MKII factory workshop manual shows 117 lbs. Fitted load for
the valve springs. I don't have data in hand on the 1500 by guess that it may
be similar. Also the dual valve spring is a good idea, but the cost is more
that stated below, the springs themselves are not that much more but you must
also buy new lower collars. Vicky Brit shows the collars for $4.95 each x 8.
The dual spring set is $32.95 vs. 24.95 for the single spring set.
----------
Dee Jackson wrote:
>
> Hi Gang,
>
> I have the head from my Spit in the shop now for a rework. The guy is
> making it flat (tho' it was out <.0025), grinding the valves, and generally
> freshening up the whole thing. He believes the springs to be weak, based
> on some numbers that he had in a valve spring book. I've looked in several
> references (Haynes, Bentley, and various parts books) and can't find any
> numbers on what the pressure of the springs should be. I *can* find free
> length, load length, # of turns, rotation, etc. but nothing to tell me what
> the spring should read in lbs. at an open and closed valve position. Anyone
> have info on those kinds of numbers? I'm only concerned because his
> reference did not specifically list Spitfire 1500 (US spec.) but had Spitfire
> "lumped" (no pun intended) in with several other models. I am going to have
> him put new springs in but I'd like to be able to tell him what the springs
> should be rated.
>
> FWIW, it took me about 2 hours total time to have the head in my hands and I
> did not have to use the "rope trick". In fact, it came off with only a
> little persuasion. Maybe that's why the gasket seeped oil. At any rate,
> you gotta love the ease of access in working on these cars. Wish y'all
> could've heard the machinist snicker when I walked into his shop with that
> "little, tiny head" under my arm.
>
> Please copy me direct as I'm on the digest version and, as always, thanks.
>
> Dee "looking forward to springs" Jackson
> '78 Spit FM90204UO
>
> --
> dee_jackson@gilbarco.com Gilbarco Inc. Greensboro, NC voice 910/547/5007
Don't know an answer to the question about valve spring rates, but if
you are going to replace the springs anyway, I would go with dual valve
springs. Not much more expensive than single (~$10.00), but you get
better high RPM capability, ie: less likely to experience valve float.
IMHO, the extra money is well spent.
Ron N.
Dalton, Ga
http://member.dalton.net/~spitfire1500
77 Spitfire 1500 - undergoing cajones transplant - FM66513UO
62? Vitesse/Sports 6 convertible - HB5635LCV
92 Ford Tempo GLS V6 (Ultimate Q-ship!) - 1FAPP38U1NK150073
|