Valve Spring Surface defects, Opinions requested
 

I am sure there are some experienced engine builders that will be able to comment on this video of my valve springs. They are the best of the best in my opinion, about 68 dollars each. They are nano peened, nitrided, tip conditioned etc... BUT, they have little tiny micro nicks and scratches from improper handling after they were processed. The questions are: how bad are these nicks, and, Would Carroll Smith approve of these defects?

Video above seems to not work. Here is a direct link


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X66yeB_yWts&hd=1

I think those surface defects are extremely minor....most likely generated by the spring winding process when the wire is drawn through the forming tooling that creates the spring. Also each wound spring gets cut and dropped off the tooling (most likely onto a pile of springs) as well, during each cycle...The wire is surely not 100% pristine to start with, either.

Thanks for responding.

The defects are extremely minor, But they are there none the less. I agree and disagree with you. I agree the defects are from the springs being dropped in a big box all together, but not after being wound. After they are wound, they are nano-peened, then nitrided. These defects are present after the nano peening process so the nicks I see cant be from the winding process...

So, What manufacturer and part number are the springs?

What are your operating parameters, vs. what the manufacturer defines as their spec?

What does the manufacturer have to say, about your concerns?

I don't want to call out the manufacturer due to the fact that they agree the springs need to be perfect in their surface finish in order to achieve THEIR goals for quality...

They are sending me a new set that has been thoroughly inspected and they have sent their apologies. I have received a few emails from respected engine builders stating that The springs should be thrown away if they have ANY detectable surface imperfections.

Call my friend Chuck Pepka CEO of Renton Coil Spring.... They supply valve springs for some serious race car teams as well as aerospace etc.


http://www.rentoncoilspring.com/perf...e/auto_racing/

SCRATCH THAT THOUGHT!

This is todays paper -- and ADAM is Chucks son.....



http://www.seattlepi.com/local/artic...ed-1845223.php

That sucks big time.