The Ford Barn

lesbliss · 01-07-2015, 08:08 AM

After losing compression on my 51 Merc flathead I decided to tear it down and see what was wrong. Found tons of sludge and 5 valves stuck open also lots of varnish on pistons. Every thing is cleaned now and I am ready to grind the valves. I'm having to work in my carport and the homeowners assoc. will not allow me to pull the engine. So far have not found anyone in the Las Vegas area that will come to the house and has the proper equipment to grind the valve seats. I sold my set of stones and pilots several years ago. Valves look good with no pits. My question is can I just lap in the valves or must they be ground? Used to make that work on Model A's. If that isn't workable does anyone have a source for the proper tool that can be rented,borrowed our bought at a resonable cost, or a mobile mech in the area that can grind them?

Thanks a lot

Les Bliss

01-07-2015, 08:08 AM	#1
lesbliss Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Henderson,NV Posts: 56	Help needed refurbishing 51 Merc engine After losing compression on my 51 Merc flathead I decided to tear it down and see what was wrong. Found tons of sludge and 5 valves stuck open also lots of varnish on pistons. Every thing is cleaned now and I am ready to grind the valves. I'm having to work in my carport and the homeowners assoc. will not allow me to pull the engine. So far have not found anyone in the Las Vegas area that will come to the house and has the proper equipment to grind the valve seats. I sold my set of stones and pilots several years ago. Valves look good with no pits. My question is can I just lap in the valves or must they be ground? Used to make that work on Model A's. If that isn't workable does anyone have a source for the proper tool that can be rented,borrowed our bought at a resonable cost, or a mobile mech in the area that can grind them? Thanks a lot Les Bliss