Replacing the valves in the 460

posted @ Monday, June 5, 2006

I had a good year last year despite the many mechanical issues I experienced. From failed fan clutches to boil overs, I muddled through. In that time, I took home several awards including Best In Show at the Chicagoland Emergency Vehicle Show. However, the performance of the engine has steadily declined to the point where the motor was loping so bad, you'd think it was a stock car motor. 

Much to our chagrin, it turns out that the number eight cylinder had no compression. So the truck has been sitting idle for the last several weeks while I've disassembled the motor to have the heads rebuilt. Fortunately, I found a friend at A&K Machine shop in De Soto. Austin, the owner of the shop, is incredibly knowledgeable and has provided a great deal of guidance in getting this problem resolved. So the heads have been removed and are currently in the process of being rebuilt with new stainless steel valves and new hardware. It was amazing to see, when Austin tested the heads by spraying the inside of the head with an aerosol lubricant and then shooting compressed air into the intake and exhaust ports. We could clearly see the air passing around the closed valves. I won't know for a few days, why the valves are not seating properly, as Austin gets into the heads and is able to diagnose the problem.

But for now, with the hardest part behind us, I'm looking forward to getting the engine back together and finally experiencing a smooth running, powerful engine that doesn't knock, doesn't run rich and does have power to pull a house down the road. I are incredibly thankful to have found Austin and A&K Machine Shop. So stay tuned and as the engine comes back together, I'll keep you posted.

Link: Replacing the valves in the 460