hardened valve seats

rdssdi · Post by **rdssdi** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 2:46 pm

I am presently rebuilding an early Kent crossflow 1600. I was told by one specialist that the head was "spot" hardened at the factory and although it was made in the days of leaded fuel no hardened valve seats are required.

I was told the opposite by another "specialist".

What's the story? Where can I get the seats in the U.S.?

Bob

JAN · Post by **JAN** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 3:43 pm

Ford valve seats and valves are pretty robust and don't burn out at the same rate as other makes when faced with unleaded.

It might be worth going for hardened seats, etc. if you're having the head done anyway, but it isn't worth taking action otherwise.

rdssdi · Post by **rdssdi** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 3:48 pm

I am doing the head. Just purchased AE brand valves. As it is an early crossflow with the small in head combustion chamber it uses different valves from the 711 uprated style flat head. They were difficult to find but I got a reasonable cost.

Where can I get the hardened seats?

Bob