Valve Spring Seat Washer question

[JTK]

Hi guys,

I'm rebuilding my 93'AAN head and I have a problem fitting the above mentioned valve spring seat washer. I have bought new valve guides to fit but they have a "shoulder" that prevents the washer to sit as intended.

I looked the forum and only found
this topic. Also looked at AAN workshop but it doesn't mention anything about the washer.

Any ideas what people do to fit the shim are greatly appreciated.

I attach some pictures for clarity. part number for the washer is 034109629

[volcano rs]

just grind out the hole a little so it fits over the shoulder

[RichLV]

That washer is held in place with the guide. I've honestly have no idea what that guide is, without the shoulder. Of the number of 20v and 20vT heads I've torn apart, and bought new valve guides for, the washer sits at the very bottom and valve guide goes over it and presses on it with the shoulder.

Part #17, which is the valve stem seal, is shown to be above the washer and lower spring retainer, and it sits ON the valve guide.

Without the shoulder, it seems you could press the guide in until it falls into the head.

[Thuppu]

All washers have been loose and removable in my heads.

[volcano rs]

all i have done is grind out the hole just enough so it goes around the guide .no problems at all .

[hunker7]

All washers have been loose and removable in my heads.

worked on three and washers were removable on all.

[K Simmonds]

All washers have been loose and removable in my heads.

Yep same here, and I've stripped a few!!!

I've never changed the guides though.

[JTK]

Hi guys, thanks for the comments.
There is no problem to remove the washer from the original valve guide ( the one without the "collar" on the picture) but it is impossible to fit the washer on the new guide ( with the collar). I have searched the internet high and low now, and I found a few topics with the same issue but no solution.

To help whoever might come across the same problem it is my intention to put clarity here.

So purpose of the washer being there is to pre-load the spring of the hydro lifters and to allow the valve to rotate. Since this is the case there are two ways of tackling it:

1. to increase the inner diameter of the washer for it to sit in place around the guide collar.
Cons: Since the washer is made of hardened steel something heavier than a dremel will be required to carry out the mod.

2. to machine down the collar of the guide.
Cons: The collar is there for safety so that you don't push the guide too deep. So if you are confident in your skills feel free to try this.

I'm still researching, but I'm likely to manufacture a new washer or to bore the existing one, whatever is easier for me.

Please correct me if I am wrong in my understanding.

[volcano rs]

its not hardened metal i just used die grinder bits just to enlarge the hole a little .you are just making a drama out of nothing .

[vit213]

to pre-load the spring of the hydro lifters and to allow the valve to rotate.

yes, working like a bearing.
I know high rpm project increase washer thickness to 2-3mm (stock 1mm) on stock valve spring for increase valve spring precompression.
If you using 1mm stock washer, enlarge the hole to ~14.5mm
For custom thickness made new washers. 080M or similar high-carbon steel, thermohardening, grinding\polish.

[jeffstoo]

Rebuilt my cylinder head not long ago. Had the same problem. Tried to find guides without collars but couldn't so, as others have done I enlarged the holes and all was well.

[sailaz]

I didn't put these washers (034109629) because of the same issue - holes became too small for new guides ....
but I'm using FCP Engineering high performance valve double spring and titanium retainer kit FCPVSTRA/20
so I think everything should be OK with my 7A head for stroker engine.


free upload without registration



P.S>

Why does everyone make life so complicated?
VAG group is lazy so instead of making lots of different spring varìations a lot of the time they add shims for pre load depending on the use of the head.

For example a 1.8t head that comes from a turbo assisted 9.5:1 engine will have no shims whereas one from a turbocharged engine like the 9:1 compression BAM engine does.
Same with I5's 7A Heads are NA and use stock springs whereas a turbo charged heads are more susceptible to float from boost pressure acting on the back of the intake valves and exhaust back pressure acting on the exh valves. So instead of making a whole new range of springs they use shims to pre load the springs simulating a stronger poundage spring where needed at a fraction of the cost.

[dr.strangelove]

Hello,

I'm brining this thread back to life.

I just got my head back and the valve spring washers and spring seats don't fit over the new guides. I took the advice from this thread and enlarged the opening in the washer, but I don't feel comfortable using the same method on the seat as the tolerance is more of a critical factor as it centers the spring. Does anyone have any advice? Are there alternative seats that can be used with stock springs that have a larger inner diameter? Should I bring the seats back to the machine shop and have them ream them out?

TIA
Mike