How much play should my valve have. Is there a number for max side to side play to tell me when the valve guides should be replaced. For instance if I hold the valve .5" out should I be able to wiggle it a little?

 

You really can't check the guides for wear using a worn valve. I hate to say it, but take the head to an automotive machinist with a reputation for honesty.

 

What do you mean a worn valve? the heads were rebuilt @1k ago . new seats were pressed in and everything else was replaced but the guides were knurled. With the valve at .5 lift Ive got .005 side-to-side movement at the head,, anyway I just read in a sbc rebuild book I have, they say up to .010 at .5 lift is exceptable and Im under that so I think Im good.

 

only the worst machine shops knurl. I've only worked at top shops, and I've never been asked to knurl. Iron heads get new iron guides, aluminum heads get new thick-wall bronze guides. Anything less is truly half-a$$ed.

 

Got ya, there aluminum. Any guesses what I would pay for new bronze guides? Thanks

 

Sorry, I'm a machinist, not a machine shop shop owner, dealing with money. I have no clue on the cost. I just install 'em. Knurling is what they did in the '60s. We've come a long way since then. It's normal for knurled guides to develop oil control problems within a couple thousand miles, but by then, the shop already got your money and moved on to the next clueless customer.