Claying flathead heads

Howdy Gents,

I just picked up some modeling clay to check clearances, and got some Silly Putty too. Has anyone tried Silly Putty instead of modeling clay? If so , how did it work out?
Thanks in advance,

FF

 

Try pea-size balls of aluminum foil, held in place with a dab of grease. Much easier to measure.

 

I've used silly puddy for years. Work like a charm

 

ok say i'll ask the dumb nebie question... What the hell are ya'll talking about?

 

Valve to head clearance.

Norton

 

ok how do you measure that. i mean is the a guide like plasti guage or are you just see'n if it's gona hit or not

 

Hi Pyro,

"Claying"...When checking new engine components compatibility/work-ability, (heads/pistons/cam) you put rectangular pieces of clay across the pistons, valves, light torque the heads, and rotate the crank. Then measure how squished the clay has become when you take the heads off, making sure all-everything clears all everything else. So yes, it is a bit like plastigage, just on a bigger, less micro-accurate level.
FF

 

I tried silly putty once, always had news print on it.

 

thanks. never messed with flats before but hope to get one later this year.

 

Pyro it works well on overheads also. You can check valve to piston clearance, as well as squish.

 

I have used clay-silly putty and solder when the head was on . It all works well and given the information I needed.

 

I use tootsie rolls with a dab of grease. The waked outer paper keeps anything from sticking and when your done you can peel them and eat them