Valve Rotators--replace for engine overhaul?

zooeyhall · Nov 30, 2010

I'm overhauling my Farmall M. It has the "Rotocap" valve rotators.

Should these be replaced as a matter-of-course for a valve job? I use my M for farming 160 acres. So it does some pulling.

They are about $40/each at IH.

CNKS · Nov 30, 2010

If used often for heavy pulling, probably so. I don't think the rotators appeared until the Super Series. I drove an H without them in the 50's, usually at maximum load. Burned valves fairly easily, I imagine rotators would have helped.

Owen Aaland · Nov 30, 2010

(quoted from post at 17:55:02 11/30/10) I'm overhauling my Farmall M. It has the "Rotocap" valve rotators.

Should these be replaced as a matter-of-course for a valve job? I use my M for farming 160 acres. So it does some pulling.

They are about $40/each at IH.

The purpose of the valve rotator is to slightly turn the valve each time it is opened. This movement helps keep carbon deposits off the valve face and seat by the slight scrubbing action each time it turns. It also accelerates valve and seat wear.

They can be tested on the bench with a valve spring tester or while assembled by tapping lightly on the end end of the valve stem and watch to see it the valve rotates.

Art Massing · Nov 30, 2010

Zooey,
You only need them on the exhaust valves. IHC had a problem with carbon build up on the exhaust valves and that is why they started using Rotocaps. I always use them. I look upon it as insurance. I would clean and test the ones you have they are probably OK.

If you need replacements, NOS Rotocaps are getting hard to find. J.P. Tractor Salvage has good used ones at a reasonable price. Buy a couple of extras and test them.

Good luck,

Art

Charles E. McNelly · Dec 1, 2010

I took them off of mine.
Charles

Valve Rotators--replace for engine overhaul?

zooeyhall

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CNKS

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Owen Aaland

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Art Massing

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Charles E. McNelly

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