Got Engine Apart

[6SENSE]

Went ahead and broke it down earlier. #1 cylinder exhaust valve is bent. There is a small nick on the #1 piston. Lifter bottoms are all flat, no sign of abnormal wear, seem good to me. Now for the questions.
Should I be worrying about anything else other than replacing the valve, like the valve seat for example?
What do I do about the small knick on the piston? Will this become a hot spot? Or is it nothing to worry about?
Would I be right in thinking that the cam/lifters are okay from looking at the lifter bottoms?
What else can I check while Im in there? Pistons have carbon on them, this is normal right, should I clean off? How to clean?

I want to make sure everything is right this time! I think I understand the whole lifter preload thing now, so that will be #1. Im thinking of taking the valve springs off and checking lbs. I'll look to see if head ports need smoothing out. Anything else I can/should do?

 

[Lee Thompson]

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An easy way to check the lifters is to take a utility knife blade. Hold the bottom of each lifter up toward the lite and lay the sharp edge across the bottom of lifter. It should have a small crown. Should be able to see lite on each side.
IMO 90 lbs of valve spring pressure is plenty. Just be sure pressure is checked @ whatever height they are going to be installed at.
1.727 is factory height. Some people go taller (1.750)
Be sure to check cam lobes CLOSELY. They must have a fish eye pattern on each side of the ramp. Best of luck

 

[6SENSE]

Thank you Lee.
I will check the lifters a little closer the way you indicated. If they check out good, is it not safe to assume the cam is okay?

What about the knick on the piston?