I just picked up my v8 302 maverick and Im noticing this valvetrain kind of noise, so I pulled the valve covers to inspect... I found something suspicious and was wondering if this is normal or not... I can spin the valve springs with my fingers??? even when the valve is opened (spring compressed) I can still spin the spring with my fingers!??? Is this normal or do i have something going on here? It looks like a stock head, 302 casted on the inside as well as 1C17... any info is appreciated...thanks
its weird because the car still has decent acceleration ... but the valvetrain seems a bit noisy, doesnt blow smoke when idling...just a little bit when I get on it ...puff of blue smoke comes out ... is this valve job time or replacement? what are my options here? thanks
That's not normal. You should not be able to turn the valve springs. Are you really spinning the valve springs or the pushrods. If it's the pushrods they need adjusting. If it's the springs I would think the engine would be running rough if at all.
Definately spinning the springs as well as the pushrods... Don't know why it still runs decent..just makes valve train noise. How do you adjust anything? Aren't the lifters supposed to taake up some slack? How do you they get adjusted ? Should - get these rebuilt or go with aftermarket? This a driver . Thanks
Lots of miles and weak springs. Best thing to do is find a set of newly rebuilt e-7 heads or gt-40, grab some new lifters and pushrods, and head gaskets and make a weekend project out of it. Get it fixed before you break a spring, drop a valve, and tear up the piston and cylinder walls. Or if your budget is more than mine pick up a set of AFR185's and enjoy a nice boost in power.
If your springs are so weak that you can spin them when they are compressed, I don't see how they are holding the valves shut. You have a time bomb there, just waiting to drop a valve and explode your engine!
even with weak springs you shouldn't be able to spin them with the valve open... i agree, you have a dropped valve in your future... Frank
oh this sucks! anyone know where can I get a set of heads ?? I see some aluminum ones on ebay fairly cheap but dont want to get scammed.... I dont really need aluminum but they look great! this is for a driver with occasional tire lighting... thanks for the replies
I think summit had a really good deal on twisted wedges recently, or eddy e street heads resonably priced if your stepping up to aluminum heads. I agree with buying from a reputable person when looking at high dollar automotive parts. Stick with the big names in heads, like twisted wedge, AFR, Eddelbrock, Ford racing, or stock Iron. Stay away from pro comp and other rebadged stuff. If you can't find the price you need that way, take a look over on the corral and look through the for sale area. Lots of reputable vendors over there with decent pricing on heads as well. If its stock or Iron heads your looking into, try calling your local machine shops and asking around. Lots of times someone drops off heads for work but never pays off and they just sit on there shelfs. Lots of good deals can be had that way ;-). Or call your local salvage yards for low mileage take offs, or search your local craigslist, or local car forums/swapmeets. All depends on how much money you have/how fast you want to go.
watch ebay for good deals on heads. craigslist is also a great place. i just picked up a set of trick flow heads yesterday off of ebay.
