Custom Spring Locators

[BOOT]

Who makes custom spring locators? What would a set or two even run? Can't find any cups or locators that fit, I've looked.

[mag2555]

Needed to fit what?

[BOOT]

A valve spring

[BOOT]

LOL spring is .900 id, it's a single spring and guide is .560ish(.570 seems to be the locator option).

[cgarb]

What diameter pocket does the locator need to fit into?

[hoodeng]

If you have a lathe, turn some up. I have made a set of custom locators in the same amount of time i have spent trying to find and source some uncommon locator.
This also gives the opportunity to set installed heights without shims,and also incorporate a preloaded inner shoulder if shouldered guides are used. Aluminium bar stock is fine.

[shoedoos]

https://www.pppcenter.com/

[BOOT]

If you have a lathe, turn some up. I have made a set of custom locators in the same amount of time i have spent trying to find and source some uncommon locator.
This also gives the opportunity to set installed heights without shims,and also incorporate a preloaded inner shoulder if shouldered guides are used. Aluminium bar stock is fine.

I don't, figured they may be surface hardened, so if I get some turned down. Like comp 4677-16

[BOOT]

What diameter pocket does the locator need to fit into?

I think both heads are 1.5+

[Walter R. Malik]

Who makes custom spring locators? What would a set or two even run? Can't find any cups or locators that fit, I've looked.

Call Debbie at "Precision Products Performance Center" in North Carolina. 828 684-8569

Usually if they don't have it ... they'll make it.

[hoodeng]

Turned production retainers are usually steel, it's more of a cost thing, except when a lower retainer is under .100" thick. Over that and alloy is fine. The only time i have seen alloy retainers eroded is when the springs are jumping all over the place,, this is a spring choice problem not a material problem.

Coined retainers are another thing, when you see retainers in the .040"/.060" thickness range they are usually a higher strength panel type steel, again cost is a feature here.This material is also used when the seal is unitized.

As Walter has pointed out, there are manufacturers that do short run work at a competitive cost, that is more to do with the manufacturer having dedicated turning centers where a minor program change is all that is reqd.If it is a machine shop, you will be paying for setup.

The black phos coating is purely decorative and minor corrosion prevention before installation.

Cheers.

[cgarb]

Have you looked for a cup that will fit the OD of the spring?

[BOOT]

Yah I know shims can be hardened, just assumed locators would be but actually the shoulder/step prob doesn't need to be even. Far as black oxide, I agree just cheap rust preventive.

I'm in no rush I'll make a call to the PPP place and see what cost for a couple sets would be, custom would be able to have a tighter fit on the guide.

[BOOT]

Have you looked for a cup that will fit the OD of the spring?

Didn't see any that seemed like they'd work

[hoodeng]

If you get sets made up get them with the bases thicker than you need that way you can turn them to the final installed height.It won't cost any more.

Cheers.