Valve seat insert hack !

[paulrobinson2010]

I'm slowly unpicking my fathers old restoration and was about to set the valve clearances and found two opposed screws on each valve seat insert?

IMG_1983.jpg (156.93 KiB) Viewed 2558 times

IMG_1985.jpg (153.43 KiB) Viewed 2558 times

I'm new to the XK engine but it feels like it's a hack from the company who "restored" the engine and rather than fitting the valve inserts correctly / using oversized seats they just tapped nuts in to hold the seats.

Has anyone seen anything like it and what would people recommend to fix?

[abowie]

It's to stop the seats moving.

It's been done pretty crudely, but you may as well leave them there.

[paulrobinson2010]

Cheers for the reply.

I'm a bit anal so will probably get it sorted just so I can forget about it, is the common practice to machine and then fit oversized seats to make sure there's no movement?

[mgcjag]

Its not uncommon to see " hold down kits" fitted......iv seen quite a few like yours.....and the more common metal bracket holding the seats and bolted down.....depends what engine builder you use.....as Andrew said i would leave them......Steve

[paulrobinson2010]

Thanks Steve.

I googled the "hold down kit" and found your older posts / others so will take your advice and leave, just wish they were a bit less brutal :-)

[tinworm]

Not being pedantic - but thats a tappet guide - valve seats are within the combustion chamber. Regarding repair as mentioned above get a tappet guide hold down kit ( if you are worried) and get a engine machine shop to fit it if you are not confident yourself. No big deal. If it works leave it.

Barrie

[paulrobinson2010]

Cheers Barrie good to know what I’m describing, planning to leave it and then check it periodically.

Paul

[PeterCrespin]

Hello Paul, and welcome to the madhouse.

It’s a valid, well-executed and unobtrusive modification, that requires equipment and skill beyond the capability of most DIY people.

No offence (well, maybe a teeny-weeny bit) but not recognising quality workmanship, naming the parts incorrectly, and calling that job a ‘hack’ is an insult to your dad and/or the mechanic who did the work. The only reason the parts houses supply plates and self-tappers is because that’s all the average Joe can be trusted with. I’d be proud to have that mod and it bodes well for quality work elsewhere.

I don’t know how many engines you’ve done, but since this appears to be your first XK, take your time, use the manuals and take care not to end up with a worse engine than the one you decided to ‘unpick’. You wouldn’t be the first.

[paulrobinson2010]

Hi Peter

Some offence taken but I understand your points, more research less jumping to conclusions.

Cheers

[PeterCrespin]

Good call. And for the avoidance of doubt, I did try the Allen screw retaining operation myself once, but never again. I’m a plate and self tapper person too.

Out of curiosity, what makes you think the engine needs a do—over?

[paulrobinson2010]

Originally when the engine came back from the shop (sent for a 5K rebuild) it had really poor compression in a couple of the cylinders. It was sent back to the shop and we eventually found out it had been subcontracted to some else so it was a little messy trying to get it resolved.

I'm sure it's now fine but I've always had a nagging doubt as to the quality of the work, hence the panic when I saw the screws (They may have been added before the rebuild)

I'm not planning to tinker too much with the engine just to check clearances / clean out all the gunk in the waterways / sort some of the leaks and old piping and generally tune. I'll then move onto the electrics / suspension and brakes.

It might be a long shot but the plan is to use as a daily(ish) driver so want to get the foundations solid, I've spent a lot of time waiting for nice weather to enjoy my other cars/bikes but feel like I'd like to get the use out of the Etype as it's such a pleasure to drive.