rainman69

Ok, I pulled the driver's side valve cover yesterday, just checking to make sure everything was ok...well, it wasn't.

I've got a broken valve spring shield (I guess that's what it's called). It sits between the retainer and the top of the spring on all 16 springs. It looks like a little umbrella or hat, and it's just broken off.

The valve spring retainer is still working, with the #1 exhaust valve (the messed up one) still working correctly...except for this little shield sitting around the spring base...

Two questions: 1) What is the real name for this part, and 2) where can I get one?

Anyone have any left over from their original heads that they don't need? :smash:

Racer16k

I've never seen one of those break before. Just about anyone should have an extra one. If you can't find one in your area I'd be happy to send you one. I usually remove them when putting on better springs and retainers.

rainman69

Hmmm...yeah, I've never seen one break, and neither has anyone at Advance, AutoZone, NAPA, or Checker. (But, they were the only people open today). I'll be checking the local speed shop tomorrow, as well as the guy who works at the Advance I shop at and he has a lot of 350 parts at home...

Hopefully I can find one...everyone here so far has said the junkyard or the GM parts dealer (who I don't want to deal with). :smash:

Racer16k

I'd bet a local machine shop would have one, or many, laying around. It would probably be free too. Are you going to change it yourself?

rainman69

Yeah, I have all the equipment at the auto shop on base...the valve spring compressor and the spark plug air compressor adapter come to mind as the only specialized tools for it.

rainman69

Got one. Went to the machine shop just down the street from the dog track, and they said, "Here you go, no charge." I'll put it on Thursday. :smash:

Jvette73

That piece is an oil shield designed to work in conjunction with O-ring valve seals. Switch to Crane Cams valve seals part# 99819. Toss all the oil shields in the trash. Unnessisary weight on the valve train. Slap on a set of poly locks while yur at it.

Techno

Umbrella seal. In my Caddy they crisp up, become brittle and end up in little plastic crumbs in the oil pan. They're trash. The best seals are the condom like ones that fit over the valve guide. Viton material they don't crisp up.

rainman69

Um, I don't think we're talking about the same part here. This is a part made of steel, and I don't really forsee it crisping up anytime soon.

I'm talking about an oil shield...to keep oil from splashing. And I found a place that has them in town. For free.

Racer16k

Excellent! :cool:

gkull

Just advice for every one

Get rid of stock spring covers and rotator retainers.

Not only the extra weight - oils cools the springs - rev higher and last longer :seeya