C123 valve question

hatrick · Nov 11, 2011

I have a C123 head torn down and the valves have copper washers with grooves on the top and bottom of the valve springs. Does anyone know why these are there as they are not shown on the IH parts breakdown. Also how do I tell if I have rotator exhaust valves?

Tom Fleming · Nov 11, 2011

Well, I don't know for sure, but the copper washers sound like someone put them there. I would venture a guess that those are not original equipment. None of my C-113 or C-123 have them.

Anonymous-0 · Nov 11, 2011

The washers are valve spring shims. They are used for regaining the proper tension of worn or weak valve springs. There is at least two common types of rotators for exhaust valves. one style has a two piece cap with small bearings between the upper and lower halves of the retainer caps and the other popular style has a small cap fitting on the very tip of the valve where the rocker arm makes contact.

hatrick · Nov 12, 2011

Thanks Tom. I had not seen the washer before either and we have a few C113 and C123 tractors. The washers say "This side out" on the oposite side of the grooves. I thought maybe they came in a specific type of valve replacement kit as the springs look new. I did notice that the springs were tighter than normal. I have another head so I think I will swap the springs from that head to this one as the valves and seats look very good and I took the time to lap them already.

Janicholson · Nov 12, 2011

They do two things. neither one of which makes a lot of difference to the engine on a tractor.
The first is that they can either increase the spring pressure for higher RPM operation, or repair weak springs to Specific Compressed length pressure.
The second is that they have small contact with the spring metal which (in theory) reduces heat flow into the spring. There is not much heat on the spring from either the valve stem (cooled by the guide), or the head, (cooled by water). Thus the oil is likely to be the hottest thing around the spring, and well withing the springs lower critical temperature (at which it will loose temper) Shimming weak springs is OK using good springs is better. Using heavier springs on a Farmall (not a Puller, just a working tractor) is a bad idea, they do not float valves! Cam wear and lifter wear will increase dramatically with heavy springs. Jim

C123 valve question

hatrick

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Tom Fleming

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Anonymous-0

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hatrick

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Janicholson

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