K-line valve guides. Good idea?

Reggie · Dec 27, 2015

The inlet valve guides on my big valve head are showing signs of wear. The obvious solution is to replace the guides, but I have heard that they can be K-lined, and I know a fairly local machine shop who could do this.

Is K-lining a good idea or false economy? It would probably be a bit cheaper as well.

http://cylinderheadshop.com/k-line-guide-liners/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOaOTnpacV0

850 Sam · Dec 27, 2015

I had all four guides k lined by a place in Bradford in 2008 cost about £60, including seats being recut, no problems since.

Fast Eddie · Dec 27, 2015

Kinder on the old head casting too as you're not stressing it out by thrashing old guides out and new ones in.

Reggie · Dec 27, 2015

Ok, so there's no significant known negatives. I think I'll K-Line them then.
Thanks for the replies.

Paddy_SP · Dec 27, 2015

Reggie said:
Ok, so there's no significant known negatives. I think I'll K-Line them then.
Thanks for the replies.

Let us know how you get on! I'd like to do it myself, but haven't seen anywhere that sells them to DIY'ers.

comnoz · Dec 27, 2015

Reggie said:
Ok, so there's no significant known negatives. I think I'll K-Line them then.
Thanks for the replies.

Negatives,
The valve will run hotter due to decreased heat transfer to the guide.
Don't expect them to last as long as a correctly fitted, good quality new guide.
Installation and sizing tools are expensive. Jim

Keith1069 · Dec 28, 2015

Reggie
A trip to CHS could result in added work you didnt ask for

just to 'improve' the head. On mine when he suggested flowing I said leave it alone but he still went at the intakes and exhausts leaving the intakes even bigger than before. Just my experience, nice guy but frustrating to deal with.

Matchless · Dec 28, 2015

Reggie,
CHS = RUN AWAY! RUN AWAY! A small inexpensive job will become a large expensive one.

Reggie · Dec 28, 2015

Hi, I know that I used a link to the CHS regarding K-Line valve inserts but that was just for general information purposes. If I go ahead with this it will be with a local engineering company and not the CHS.

I have read "varied" reviews about the CHS myself.

Matchless · Dec 28, 2015

A wise decision. CHS specialises in the three B's. Bullshit Baffles Brains.

gripper · Dec 28, 2015

+1 on that

Keith1069 · Dec 29, 2015

A wise decision. CHS specialises in the three B's. Bullshit Baffles Brains.

...yes totally correct but I was trying to be polite

. He is a '59' club founder member though :wink:

K-line valve guides. Good idea?

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