I need new exhaust valves. Problem is they have a stem diameter 0.370", not the more common 0.371 or 0.372.
As I don't want to do anything to the guides I'd like to find the correct valves. Does anyone have a lead to who sells 1.81" valves with .370 stems?

What heads do you have that use a non-standard stem size?

How much clearances will you have between the guides and valve stems with those valves? I like to see a minimum of.0018 on the intakes and .0020 or more on the exhausts on a pump gas street motor If there more than .0035 then I have the guides fixed

Standard practice is honing or reaming the guides to size. I'm curious why this isn't an option.

Ferrea will make whatever you like but be prepared to break out the wallet. S/F....Ken M

Heads are Stage V irons. The guides had been changed to brass 8 years ago, the existing valves had been reused as they were good then. The guide ID has been adjusted to the valve stem diameter to reuse the valves. I am currently not able to properly measure the guide ID, just with a caliper. The guides measure 0.373 on the top side, but I don't know if they have a taper. Exhaust valve stems are .370. Intakes are 0.372 with a guide slightly bigger than 0.373.

The valves have worn tips, guides/stems are like new, or at least like 8 years ago. So the stems are not the reason I need new valves. But finding them with the right stem diameter seems not so easy.
If I don't find any I will of course consider enlarging the guides.

Could u use lash caps? Might change the geometry abit but would probably work

I have cleaned up the guides and valves and then inserted the valves so they are right at 1/2 inch off the valve seats I then grabbed both ends of the valve with both hands and try and move them sideways in the guides, if they move sideways in any direction they are probally to loose. It sounds like you need a set of ball mikes , those names may not be the proper term for them, or a very small snap gauge that wiil fit into the guide to measure off of

You want a small hole gauge. A calipers isn't the tool for this.

http://www.goodson.com/Small-Hole-Gauge-Set/

I'd have the tips ground, then use lash caps, if the valves are still straight and the margins are still ok. S/F....Ken M

Thats the correct tool, I have heard them called ball mikes also from the day I bought mine many years ago simple and easy to use and they will tell you if the insides of the guides are straight or not I've measured many new guide liners that where coke bottle shaped inside

Yep, heard them called ball gauges or ball mics too. If you know you're just measuring valve guides, you can just get a .300 to .400 gauge.

http://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/Measu...?navid=12107846

I'm sure these are available in Germany, that's the land of precision machining. Probably have 'em in the local quickie mart, lol. S/F....Ken M

Thanks for replies. These gauges look good - and affordable!

I bought this set for getting a rough idea of the guide size. I know the quality isn't up with the name brands, but you use it like a snap gauge with an outside mike anyway.

http://www.shars.com/products/measuring/reference-gages/small-hole-gauge-set-full-ball-1