Valve spring pressure

Ed McLawhorn Jr. · 01-24-2021, 08:24 PM

On a dual valve spring with the inner spring slightly shorter, when checking spring pressure with rimac tester, do you need to account for the inner lip from retainer. When spring is on head and closed, the inner spring is not at same level as outer. Valve spring tester is flat and contact with inner spring is about .060 lower. I know I'm rambling, but maybe someone understands my question. Thanks.

Paul Precht · 01-24-2021, 08:46 PM

I use a .100" washer, a lot of retainers have a step about .100".

Ed McLawhorn Jr. · 01-24-2021, 08:51 PM

Paul, I have used a washer and seen dad do same for years. I didn't know until recently how much difference it makes if you leave it out.

BillK · 01-24-2021, 09:00 PM

Like the others said, you need to check it the same way that it will be installed. Same retainer and some type of shim to simulate the step in the head. What you really need to pay attention to in that setup is coil bind on the inner spring.

outlaw · 01-25-2021, 02:57 AM

I have used a quarter many times.

SGSST109E · 01-25-2021, 07:09 AM

I always check mine using the retainer

Rich Biebel · 01-25-2021, 07:30 PM

I use the retainer right on the spring and just add the retainers thickness to the installed height on my Rimac tester. If there is a step at the bottom, add an appropriate washer that fits.

That’s the way it runs on the head and as was mentioned is a better way to see the actual pressure and check distance to coil bind

Ed McLawhorn Jr. · 01-25-2021, 10:31 PM

Thanks guys. Always used the washer method, but nice to know about the retainer method when I lose the washer. lol.

Adger Smith · 01-25-2021, 10:34 PM

I machine a shim or find a shim the same thickness as the retainer step/steps.
That way you are checking actual pressure and coil bind/coil bind clearance.

bubski · 01-26-2021, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich Biebel

I use the retainer right on the spring and just add the retainers thickness to the installed height on my Rimac tester. If there is a step at the bottom, add an appropriate washer that fits.

That’s the way it runs on the head and as was mentioned is a better way to see the actual pressure and check distance to coil bind

Bubski declares this post a winner !!

01-24-2021, 08:24 PM	#1
Ed McLawhorn Jr. Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 287 Likes: 3 Liked 16 Times in 14 Posts	Valve spring pressure On a dual valve spring with the inner spring slightly shorter, when checking spring pressure with rimac tester, do you need to account for the inner lip from retainer. When spring is on head and closed, the inner spring is not at same level as outer. Valve spring tester is flat and contact with inner spring is about .060 lower. I know I'm rambling, but maybe someone understands my question. Thanks.

01-24-2021, 08:46 PM	#2
Paul Precht Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Elysburg, Pa Posts: 690 Likes: 281 Liked 224 Times in 89 Posts	Re: Valve spring pressure I use a .100" washer, a lot of retainers have a step about .100".

01-24-2021, 08:51 PM	#3
Ed McLawhorn Jr. Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 287 Likes: 3 Liked 16 Times in 14 Posts	Re: Valve spring pressure Paul, I have used a washer and seen dad do same for years. I didn't know until recently how much difference it makes if you leave it out.

01-24-2021, 09:00 PM	#4
BillK Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Waldorf Md Posts: 222 Likes: 10 Liked 26 Times in 15 Posts	Re: Valve spring pressure Like the others said, you need to check it the same way that it will be installed. Same retainer and some type of shim to simulate the step in the head. What you really need to pay attention to in that setup is coil bind on the inner spring. __________________ Bill Koustenis

01-25-2021, 02:57 AM	#5
outlaw Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 78 Likes: 52 Liked 58 Times in 33 Posts	Re: Valve spring pressure I have used a quarter many times.

01-25-2021, 07:09 AM	#6
SGSST109E Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 342 Likes: 54 Liked 124 Times in 58 Posts	Re: Valve spring pressure I always check mine using the retainer

01-25-2021, 07:30 PM	#7
Rich Biebel VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern New Jersey suburbs Posts: 2,275 Likes: 25 Liked 510 Times in 200 Posts	Re: Valve spring pressure I use the retainer right on the spring and just add the retainers thickness to the installed height on my Rimac tester. If there is a step at the bottom, add an appropriate washer that fits. That’s the way it runs on the head and as was mentioned is a better way to see the actual pressure and check distance to coil bind __________________ Rich Biebel S/C 1479

01-25-2021, 10:31 PM	#8
Ed McLawhorn Jr. Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 287 Likes: 3 Liked 16 Times in 14 Posts	Re: Valve spring pressure Thanks guys. Always used the washer method, but nice to know about the retainer method when I lose the washer. lol.

01-25-2021, 10:34 PM	#9
Adger Smith VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Texarkana Ark/TX Posts: 2,348 Likes: 434 Liked 676 Times in 260 Posts	Re: Valve spring pressure I machine a shim or find a shim the same thickness as the retainer step/steps. That way you are checking actual pressure and coil bind/coil bind clearance. __________________ Adger Smith (Former SS)