The Ford Barn

Kurt in NJ · 09-28-2016, 05:46 PM

I didn't see the flathead pilot in the pictures, the box is from the era that would have it---it is long, it locates in both the lifter and valve guide bore---you have to take the lifter out to use the pilot

100IH · 09-29-2016, 02:03 PM

The top of the pilot is specific to the manufacturer although a few may share the same diameter. They do wear and cause problems. Using another manufacturer's Stone holders or dressers won't work if they are incompatible. Then comes the diameter of the lower end of the pilot which is subject to even more wear. Not everyone made special pilots for early Fords, though most probably did. My point is... for a well-intended beginner, buying pieces to make a kit can be a lesson in futility. Also, Kwikway is now the only game in town. All of the others died many years ago except Sioux, which was always my preferred brand. Sioux left about 6 yrs ago. Think about repair parts. Look close at what you are buying. Then a "complete set" in good shape at a higher price might be the best deal.. Now-days mom and pop shops may still use stones to grind seats but the larger shops all use a new, much more expensive, and faster method. One of the reasons so many small operations have folded .

09-28-2016, 05:46 PM	#21
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,159	Re: Valve seat grinder I didn't see the flathead pilot in the pictures, the box is from the era that would have it---it is long, it locates in both the lifter and valve guide bore---you have to take the lifter out to use the pilot

09-29-2016, 02:03 PM	#22
100IH Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: SW Idaho Posts: 970	Re: Valve seat grinder The top of the pilot is specific to the manufacturer although a few may share the same diameter. They do wear and cause problems. Using another manufacturer's Stone holders or dressers won't work if they are incompatible. Then comes the diameter of the lower end of the pilot which is subject to even more wear. Not everyone made special pilots for early Fords, though most probably did. My point is... for a well-intended beginner, buying pieces to make a kit can be a lesson in futility. Also, Kwikway is now the only game in town. All of the others died many years ago except Sioux, which was always my preferred brand. Sioux left about 6 yrs ago. Think about repair parts. Look close at what you are buying. Then a "complete set" in good shape at a higher price might be the best deal.. Now-days mom and pop shops may still use stones to grind seats but the larger shops all use a new, much more expensive, and faster method. One of the reasons so many small operations have folded .