Holley Carb Woes - DCDoug Pay Attention (Long Post)

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by Excaliber

Other than that, I wouldn't worry about it

Of all the crap that worries me, that ain't on the list.

[dcdoug]

Originally Posted by elmariachi

Of all the crap that worries me, that ain't on the list.

You gave me something new to worry about (only a little, but still). When I spoke with my builder, I confirmed that it wasn't a problem to run 93 octane unleaded. I assumed that also meant that he put in hardened seats, but I don't remember actually confirming that specifically. I too had NOS MR heads that had never even had valves in them. Now I wonder whether he just shared the opinion of Ernie that concern about unleaded gas on unhardened seats is overrated or whether I have hardened seats.

This may be a dumb rookie question (feel free to give me some sh!t, but I'm still learning), but is there any way to tell without pulling a head? Can I tell from the valves that I have?

EDIT: Oh, the most important part, my builder passed away in January, so I can't call him.

[CobraEd]

get a borascope and put it in the spark plug hole.


.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by CobraEd

get a borascope and put it in the spark plug hole.

Hmmm, I didn't realize ElM. and DCDoug were that close....

[aspenbubba]

Patrick,

I'll see you there sat (rain or shine) and I'll be cooking the sausage.

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by dcdoug

I too had NOS MR heads that had never even had valves in them. Now I wonder whether he just shared the opinion of Ernie that concern about unleaded gas on unhardened seats is overrated or whether I have hardened seats.

There are varying opinions on this, sorta like Republican vs Democrat. For every person who says you are screwed there is another that says "No worries." Try a borescope and if that doesn't solve your burning desire and you can't sleep, use an additive. But in all honesty I am doing it not as a preventative but as a little insurance. When I finally move up to Blue Thunder or KC heads, if my valve seats are damaged, then I'll have seats installed before I sell the heads. And if the heads are toast (highly unlikely) then I'll add that to the list of sh!t I wasted during my Cobra learning experience. Go ahead with that Holley 3255 and your mind will be off of valve seats in no time. I promise.