unleaded valves and seats or leaded valves and seats????

[papawfalcon]

I just got a new car(new to me) '63 FALCON 170.The motor has been redone and the head reworked.The question about the valves and seats is how can I tell if the they are for leaded gas or do they only make replacements for unleaded gas only. I have all the paper work that shows what parts were put in.I know some people say either way it will run unleaded gas.Thanks Ken N.

 

[XFlow_Fairlane]

well I THINK all seat inserts are hardened (IE unleaded)

if you want I got a complete 62 170 with hardened seats in the head and steel head gaskets for $50 wink wink

 

[CZLN6]

Howyd Ken:

And congrats on your new ride. If you have a build receipt look it over for valve "inserts". Inserts will ve the key word. The difference between a head built for unleded gas and the earlier type is the addition of hardened seel inserts for the valve seats. As cast, the valve seats are the same softer cast material as the rest of the head. The steel valves, being harder, with time and wear, will eventually hammer out the cast valve set area, without the lead in leaded gas to cushion the process.

This process takes many miles and time. And since leaded gas is no longer available, it is a non-issue. If your rebuild included the installation of hardened valve seats, you're good to go. If it didn't, don't worrry about it. It will take years and miles for any real damage to happen and then it will be time for another valve job.

Enjoy your ride.

Adios, David

 

[kirkallen143]

I am currently having the bronco's head redone without hardened seats. Like David said..."many miles and lots of time," it will take to hammer the valve seats. The head never had them in the first place, and I drove a many a mile without them, so why add the extra expense of installing. Others will argue, but that is them. Anyways, as it goes, I did not have the extra money to have them installed in the first place. Good luck.

Kirk ' 73 bronco

ps. ...if it ain't broke, why fix it.

 

[papawfalcon]

Well I guess I won't worry about it The part # is SPE VG5009. Thanks so much for the replies.Really appriciate it Now to get the wiring back in the car.kirkallen143 as you said I do things a little money at a time.And asI tell my family when I was GIVEN this car the FALCON god visited really good this time.I've spent 4 years and lots of money on my RACHERO.THis will be done in time to go to Indianapolis is July.Thanks again David for your expertice.Ken N.(won't give up on my RANCHERO)

 

[finnstanger]

Is there still "soft" valve seats available?
Rockauto has Sealed Power seats with "Optional-Premium Material" what ever that means.

Pete

 

[CobraSix]

YOu can probably still find them for certain applications. Generally, anything rebuild in the last 20 years has hardened valve seats.

Slade

 

[wsa111]

I highly recomend exhaust valve seat inserts with any rebuild.

If you ever see the result of worn exhaust valves & seats you will be convinced to do it right the first time.

Many years ago amoco was the only unleaded fuel around. All the other gas companies used lead in there blend.

I have seen the results of valve seat wear first hand, the amoco burned clean, very little combustion chamber deposits but the exhaust valve ressesion was horrendous.

Engines running using leaded fuel showed very little exhaust valve wear, but of course more chamber deposits. William