The Ford Barn

Harold Degand · 06-03-2022, 09:16 AM

Hi flathead gurus.

I think some valves have to much play in their guide.
Is there a way to measure this play ?

This is a French flat, guides are one piece style and plain.
There is no groove to put the seal in it.

Can the french guide be replaced by a 8ba part ?
I was told french valve are shorter than 8ba, and the lifter is longer.
But what about stem diameter ?

Thanks for your help.

For example :

Ronnieroadster · 06-03-2022, 01:48 PM

On my NOS French block I installed all new Ford 8BA valve train parts. The answer to your question about the valve guide is yes the 8BA guide is a perfect replacement for the French block.
Ronnieroadster

Ronnieroadster · 06-03-2022, 02:55 PM

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Don't know if the French valve is shorter and the lifter longer to me that makes no sense there would be any difference. I do know the Ford valves' and lifter work perfectly in the French block
We know the connecting rods were different lengths to make up the difference if the crank was the 3-3/4 stroke or the 4 inch stroke. That was done so only one style of piston was needed the standard 3-3/4 pin location.
The connecting rod for the 4 inch stroke crank was shorter. The connecting rod for the 3-3/4 stroke crank was the stock Ford 7 inch center line length.
Ronnieroadster

06-03-2022, 01:48 PM	#2
Ronnieroadster Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: East Coast in CT Posts: 1,697	Re: Flathead worn valve guide ? On my NOS French block I installed all new Ford 8BA valve train parts. The answer to your question about the valve guide is yes the 8BA guide is a perfect replacement for the French block. Ronnieroadster __________________ I use the F word a lot no not that word these words Flathead, Focus and Finish "Life Member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club using a Ford Flathead block First Ford Flathead bodied roadster to run 200 MPH Record July 13, 2018 LTA timing association 200.921 First Ford flathead roadster to run 200 MPH at Bonneville Salt Flats setting the record August 7th 2021 at 205.744 MPH reset the record in 2024 to 211.830 running to mile four. Top speed 2024 mile five 220.672 exit speed 221.587

06-03-2022, 02:55 PM	#3
Ronnieroadster Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: East Coast in CT Posts: 1,697	Re: Flathead worn valve guide ? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Don't know if the French valve is shorter and the lifter longer to me that makes no sense there would be any difference. I do know the Ford valves' and lifter work perfectly in the French block We know the connecting rods were different lengths to make up the difference if the crank was the 3-3/4 stroke or the 4 inch stroke. That was done so only one style of piston was needed the standard 3-3/4 pin location. The connecting rod for the 4 inch stroke crank was shorter. The connecting rod for the 3-3/4 stroke crank was the stock Ford 7 inch center line length. Ronnieroadster __________________ I use the F word a lot no not that word these words Flathead, Focus and Finish "Life Member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club using a Ford Flathead block First Ford Flathead bodied roadster to run 200 MPH Record July 13, 2018 LTA timing association 200.921 First Ford flathead roadster to run 200 MPH at Bonneville Salt Flats setting the record August 7th 2021 at 205.744 MPH reset the record in 2024 to 211.830 running to mile four. Top speed 2024 mile five 220.672 exit speed 221.587 Last edited by Ronnieroadster; 06-03-2022 at 03:05 PM.