1931 Harley VL valve guide to valve stem clearance?

[Buster]

If the valve guide to stem has approx .005-.006 clearance but is worn slightly oval; the clearance is apparently ok, but is the slightly oval shape a problem. Will this oval shape keep valve from sealing.

[RichO]

I also would add that I always used cam ground aluminum pistons, steel valves, and cast iron rings and guides. If you build rockets use rocket science but old motorcycles are old motorcycles. There are motor builders I follow on here that believe, and probably rightly so, mention piston and cylinder coatings and different cross hatching and much more but I guess that's for today's highway speeds and racing, or whatever. These 80 to 100 year old machines were designed and built to operate under the conditions in the time which they were built. Take the Cannonball machines. Many were not anywhere near stock inside. Some of it worked but much didn't. We don't ride this old iron under those conditions often if ever. Back country roads and and the 65 tops blast when needed. Just sayin' normal shop practices will get the job done. I'm done, sorry and yes the guide hole should be round.

[T. Cotten]

If the valve guide to stem has approx .005-.006 clearance but is worn slightly oval; the clearance is apparently ok, but is the slightly oval shape a problem. Will this oval shape keep valve from sealing.

The 45° valve finds its seat, Buster,..

But if its not concentric to the guide, the guide usually wears first.

Have you a pilot and a run-out gauge to inspect the seat?
(Or Prussian blue, at least?)

If you want to freshen the seat, you want a fresh guide.

....Cotten

[Steve Slocombe]

I use the Eastern strutted pistons and now just leave out the oil rings altogether on VLs.

[exeric]

I just saw this movie, 'Step On It' on Youtube, Steve. Lots of VL police motorcycle footage, and incredible stunts. This is just a side note and I didn't want to step on other posts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dl8SXjMJj9M

[ammorest]

Great movie Eric! Thanks for the link. Would love to have the hero's Chevy Roadster. Or the bad guy's Packard ? touring car.
Dave

[Steve Slocombe]

That looks like a late JD tricked out as a 1934/5 VL doing most of the stunts. No wonder they has crash bars on. Check out www.vlheaven.com to see the 1935 newsreel of 1935 VLs being tested by the California Highway Patrol to make sure they can do 100 mph.