Cylinder Head 201 - Radius Cut Valve Job

This video covers the complete valve job process that your machinist might perform. If the 100 series videos didn't help you identify and correct a problem with your cylinder head, then this is the next step. This video is brought to you with permission from my machinist in full 1080HD, and covers cleaning up the head inside and out, preparation and setting up a radius cutter, cutting all 16 valve seats, valve grinding, and spans 3.5 hours of actual work in under 30 minutes. There's nothing like this anywhere else on KZbin.
THANK YOU BALLOS PRECISION MACHINE. Thank you for the professional explanation and execution of a job excellently-done, and un-precedented access to your facilities.
A valve job is done by re-grinding or replacing valves, and then having new seats cut to match the faces of the valves you're using. There are several different machines that might be utilized to achieve this result, but the process is the same no matter how it's done. There are seat cutters that utilize cutting stones. There are valve seat cutters with 3 separate angles installed 120° out-of-phase, and there are single cutters with all 3 angles (radius cutter) that cut with one blade in one pass. The machine demonstrated here is a Sunnen VGS-20 Radius Cutter. This machine (now out of production) produces a gradual curved seat that's superior to the shape of a traditional 3-angle seat. While a radius cutter does contain the 30, 45 and 60 degree angles, it does so without leaving any sharp edges between their faces.
My valve selection includes Supertech 1mm oversized nitride-coated stainless steel undercut and back-cut intake valves, and 1mm oversized Inconel back-cut exhaust valves. Inconel is a high-temperature alloy utilized in marine and forced-induction performance engines that can handle more abuse than steel can without melting. The other characteristics of the valves which are discussed typically yield bigger gains in airflow than simply using a bigger hole and a bigger valve.
Why I did this to a perfectly-good cylinder head:
I changed cams. Because the valves were previously recessed during another valve job 9 years ago, my valve installed height was increased and this raised the operating positions of my rocker arms. My new camshaft selection dictates using the stock valve install height. The only solutions to this valve install height problem are to either replace the valve seats, or install oversized valves. I opted for the latter.

[@pbaylis1]

Takes a special kind of chilled out guy to go through that painstaking process with professionalism from start to finish. The gentleman there fit the bill perfectly.

[@linglingjr]

Agreed. This machinist is awesome.

[@eflanagan1921]

@@mostlymotorized Craftsmanship is it's own reward .Just made that up.

[@rakeshjangir1240]

लमलममनकनगव

[@ezboosted2907]

almost 2 mill views and only 132k subs. he really does it for use. thanks man youve thought me a lot over the years even today. thank you

[@juanjohnism]

That machinist is an excellent teacher and communicator. His explanation is so precise and thorough. He should be teaching in a vocational college. What a Professional. I salute him.

[@gappmast9712]

I was a Sunnen salesman for 40 years. My hat is off your one of the few people that I have seen that runs the VGS20 correctly,

[@knotsandstuff]

I love falling asleep to these technical videos... i’m not saying that they’re boring but your narration is just so soothing

[@scaven09]

This is just like I’m at work. Same exact machines. Both of em. Was cool to see the quirks of someone else do this !

[@ewvoss68]

thanks for creating this video. I am currently enrolled in a local auto tech program and we found your site during class. you have excellent videos that translate volumes of information in a condensed and comprehensive format. your efforts are appreciated.

[@Jafromobile]

+ewvoss68 We? Wow, that's pretty dang cool! An auto tech program taking advice from ME. I have zero formal training in automotive technology, I just make videos about the things I'm interested in. Over the years I just read everything I could find about those interests and listened to everyone who had experience on those topics... so for your sake [and to stay true to everyone who watches], I will be forever humble and recommend you still read all those volumes I helped you skip. My goal is to help others visualize the job so that those volumes make more sense. If you can do that, you will be a better automotive technician than I will ever be. ;)

[@MK1188v]

Made me understand the definition of multi angle valve job. Thanks.

[@Resistolitin]

Amazing video! That guy knows his stuff, but more important he is willing to tell you WHAT and WHY is he doing it. Great guy!

[@Xaocka]

This video is ridiculously valuable. Thank you for making it and sharing it with us!

[@CarlosGlatzos976]

Thanks for this quality video, learned a lot (and with your other cylinder head 101 series, too). Cheers!

[@JesseFK]

Man this is awesome. I love how much pride this guy takes from doing his job so well. Makes me want to become a machinist! It's awesome that they let you watch/film their work. Great stuff.

[@lionelhernandez34]

Have a whole new respect for machinists, great video.

[@waynebeaver4096]

Amen to that! I feel guilty thinking I could pull my head and put some rubbing compound on my valves to seat them. I was so out-classed in that video ... I know nothing :(

[@UCs6ktlulE5BEeb3vBBOu6DQ]

Thank you so very much for this video I've been wanting to see this for so many years.. In my head I've been trying to figure out how they were able to perfectly align the machine for every brand and model of engines out there ! Thats awesome I want to quit my job and do that !

[@ModelKing1000]

This guy. The Bob Ross of cylinder heads... lol

[@Jafromobile]

***** That is hilarious! You're the second one to point that out. Who would you rather have working on your head? The Bob Ross, or the John McEenroe machinist? :P

[@ModelKing1000]

***** definitely Bob Ross! lol I can only imagine what John McEnroe would do to a head!! lol

[@mojondro]

Let's tap a little happy valve

[@bobbofly]

The Da vinci of cylinder heads maybe even. Makes me wish the technology from the movie "Brainstorm" was an actual thing. Just burn every iota of that expertise into my mind. This guy truly knows his beans.

[@marknasia5293]

Joseph Ross i was thinking the same thing “an over here we have a nice polished happy port...”

[@RojoDelChocolate]

Man, the camera work, the editing, the knowledge, the delivery. Great vid.

[@DJDevon3]

Your machine shop is awesome for participating in the video. He did a great job of explaining everything he was doing. You certainly can't do that type of work without very specialized equipment. That's what machine shops and machinists are there for. You have a great relationship with you guys over there. Let him know he has my thanks next time you see him. I learned a lot and watched every second. Your machinist cares about precision performance work. Yet another awesome video.

[@MaxQscience]

By far one of the best auto engine / mechanical videos Ive watched this year

[@lukazecevic3183]

You can be best "by far", but not "one of the best by far".... Makes no sense....

[@burtsgurt]

I'm not even much of a DSM fan, but I've pretty much watched all of your videos because of how informative they are. I learn MANY new things every time you post a new vid. Thank you, and keep up the great work!

[@jdmr.3346]

Awesome video thank you. I've been tuning imports for 22 years and finally get to see a machinist do their magic.

[@KenHMladin]

I like seeing the machinist take pride in his work !

[@YobieTheQuestioner]

Great video, had a bunch of engine work done in my younger years with some explanation but this is exactly what I like.

[@Saileahgaz]

Jafromobile and Mark. What we can learn from others never ceases to amaze me. But, Its the people like you who take the time and show the patience to make accessing that knowledge possible. Thanks so much! I've learned a LOT in just two, well produced videos with thoughtful and articulate narration.

[@kern-sladeengineering1325]

Nice to hear people who know what they are doing explain the logic and process of their work

[@TonyLiveTV]

Thank you for this video and thanks to the machinist who let you recon his process.

[@JMLUSA1]

I Love this level of DETAIL! Truly Educational! Thanks again for these type videos!

[@stanleystalvey6185]

Good video. Excellent commentary and presentation. Genius tech info. Love it.!

[@Joe-sm8wl]

The machinist has such a calming voice. I ended up feeling hypnotized from listening to him talk.

[@yenyen33089]

good thing your machine is cool with you filming, where i live, some machine shops here act like what they're doing is top secret so they dont like being filmed.. thnx for the upload bro

[@darbimus666]

Very informative. Helps me a ton because I'm about to start a job doing exactly this. Thanks a lot.

[@jhamm2303]

This machinist should teach tech classes. I could listen to him all day. Nice and consistent like his work.

[@raidacaipo]

That man has so much knowledge it really amazes me how much he knows!

[@krusher74]

if it's his job, i would not expect to be amazed that he knows what he is doing

[@DoRC]

That is one calm machinist

[@cmdrw9855]

It's either daily blowies or Xanax..I can't figure it out

[@pec1739]

i love all this ill OCD machining/engine build stuff, radial cut, dome geometry and volume balance, dynamic rotational mass crank balancing and so on, felt so good

[@rayrusso4138]

Thanks for showing the cuts on the valves, lots of great info 💪👍💯

[@Nordmore68]

Thank you, Jafromobile, for another top quality video. The gold edition of motor-technical educating/instructional/how to DIY on KZbin! I don't write comments on every one, and I haven't seen everyone, but I suspect all of them are good. :)

[@TheRebuilt1]

Great video and makes me understand why good machinists charge what the charge. Uploads like this are the asset to KZbin and hate when persons who don't have the wisdom and expertise such as yourself are of a sudden SME's and critiquing what you took the time to share what you could have kept to yourself. Thanks so much for best 29 minutes i have spent on YT in a while.

[@240Tony]

watching that machine work is so satisfying

[@gimmethecarkeys]

Nice machinist. Seems like a cool dude. Kudos to him for taking sone time to show the steps. Great video

[@RolandElliottFirstG]

Thats a good head job, time and patience brings good results, along with the extra relief angles.

[@elvetost]

Your vids KICK ASS man! Seriously you are one of the best, you take the time to show and explain things, you share the little secrets and you do top quality work! Thank you very much for everything, it sure keeps me happy watching your work over and over again! Mark also seems a top bloke. He does excellent work, unlike the butchers we got over here calling theirselves "machinists".. Wish I was closer to you guys, you'd have a helping hand and Mark would sure have my work in! Thanks again Jafro!

[@michaelcleary8008]

Ok

[@estebansuarezmarenzi1135]

I absolutely love your videos. Greeting from Buenos Aires - Argentina

[@phuturephunk]

In my heart of hearts I always wanted to work with my hands machining and building stuff. I love your videos dude. It tickles that 'what could have been' sorta feel in me. Alas, I had to be all computer oriented and do most of my stuff in the virtual confines of software....and the hardware side...pulling cables and building out network infrastructure, just isn't the same as this stuff..

[@Jafromobile]

You're absolutely right. It's not the same at all. That's why when I get home from pulling cables, building images for mass deployments, setting hardware and software standards, configuring LDAP layers and network topology, configuring and maintaining server environments, coordinating with 14 other technicians, dozens of vendors, and supporting about 9,000 users total, I grab my tools and wrench on cars. ;) It helps me relax.

[@phuturephunk]

OH my God! I completely missed this reply all those years ago. You rule dude. Also, I actually started woodworking as a hobby in the meantime. Nothing too serious, but I've picked up manual skills since then. Cheers dude. I still watch your videos to this day. :D

[@jlucasound]

Awesome video. That machine is incredible. So precise (granted you set, check and recheck). I like the level transfer. That is a real true. Gravity doesn't lie.

[@zachogdahl210]

Jafro, your videos have been instrumental in me learning engine rebuild skills. Especially related to head work. Its saved me a lot of money on my bmw engines so far 😆

[@zxtenn]

Great video and top notch workmanship-- many years ago I had a 74 Kawasaki Z-1 900 bored out to 1015 cc and I had Manley SS oversize valves that had 'reliefs' for better flow, also had the runners cleaned up and port matched, Megacycle 417 lift cams too

[@zx8401ztv]

Brilliant, ive never seen valve seats cut before, that man is a true professional, he wants them spot on :-) Worth every penny mate, you know they will give excellent results :-) Love engineering videos:-)

[@benbaker5463]

excellent vidja, great to be able to peak over the shoulder of a pro at work, Mark the machinist would be a good teacher, explaining every step along the way, thanks.

[@tsifreak]

Great video jafro!

[@kieth7000]

very professional job. thanks guys!

[@racerx757]

Pretty awesome setup and a great tech hats off to your sir.

[@ItzSillyy]

Also I can't wait to see the gsx again! Keep up the good work

[@yenyen33089]

now thats a mechanic that knows how to take pride in his work good job, DSM FTW!!

[@cecilmicko6828]

Amazing! I watched the entire video. Well done!

[@charlesseymour1482]

Absolutely brilliant. I loved the CV joint on top of the valve grinder to use the machine torque but not the head bearing. Using the seat itself as the rotory guide is standard I guess but I never knew.

[@solesearched]

This was amazing!

[@janesmith5436]

I am in the industry (Regis shop supplies) and I love watching him. It really is like watching Bob Ross paint happy little trees! I've been in a few of those wrench throwing shops.....

[@666Necropsy]

salute to the great machinist

[@sammytrz]

awesome video great coverage on the complete job

[@piavigdalsgaard2230]

Dear doc Jafro im a fan... you are the best. BR und salutee' from Flensburg SH in Dax Raich ... !!! Keep rollin ... u my man.

[@sangkang6294]

I am a firm believer of "precision engineering" and "eyeballing" never goes in hand and hand.

[@chisel954]

What great detail & info Jaffy!!

[@sebastianrakowski1583]

Great Job. We need a mechanics like that. All the best mate

[@FlatlineLancer]

Excellent, seriously excellent. Thank you so much.

[@AlchemistLair]

Great info!!! And thumbs up to your machinist!!!

[@djmv2002]

I went school for this. watching videos great refresher course for me. Especially this video man you reminded of my instructor from last MA class. You make a great teacher. :)

[@Jafromobile]

Clarence Vaughan Man, I didn't even do all the hard work. I hope you're talking about Mark. That's one even-keeled dude. I always have a great time working with him.

[@GKMusik1]

amazing work!

[@AzraelGG_]

love all of your videos, and has inspired me to take on alot of things myself. thanks (:

[@DShizDawg]

Damn! I never knew how much work they put into this, thought it was a simple as 1, 2, 3, Good work machine shop and good job filming and the effort to help us all :D.

[@abdulsomed6559]

I love these to keep comments and respectful for these videos

[@tracyjames4125]

That's awesome, thanks guys

[@jaybird57]

Don't forget to talk about valve seat width. Intake vs. exhaust. perf. vs. stock. great videos.

[@AGearHead4Life]

Great video man. Many gear heads will find this very interesting.

[@shawnkautz8508]

You took all your work going out the door so easily.

[@abdullaali3735]

very good for people to see and learn thank you

[@stevenminix]

Thats a good looking valvejob, i like how the transitions are so smooth.. Thumbs up for your videos, I enjoy them, keep the camera rollin' bro.

[@BIGWILLY8313]

i need to find a machinist with this mutch passion into his work for my projects in my area. i would gladly pay the bull.

[@randeepdhillon9607]

Wow great video !! Learnt so much

[@kyproset]

Fantastic, the best one of them all.Thanx.

[@JMLUSA1]

Great Video! I have to admit tho..., I feel like I might be a bit of a freak watching a video of this detail and LOVING it! Thanks again.

[@gdaloisio904]

Same here!

[@MaddyBee]

Awesome stuff mate super interesting

[@makantahi3731]

in my country, people that talk like him would be called singer, he does not talk he sings, good job at all

[@Mishakol1290]

My timing belt broke 2 years ago and the motor continued to run fine but i took the head off and found a head gasket break in two places, and also a slightly bent exhaust valve and no sign of real damage to the valve head just the stem is a little bent. I am going to buy all new valves just to be safe but would you recommend I just lap the new valves? I am replacing the stem seals as well. What would you recommend I do on top of that? I don't have a lot of money to spend I just need to rework the head to make sure its good. The guides seem to be ok as well i hear Honda valves can take a lot of abuse. Its a H23a Vtec cylinder head.

[@ikutiap5923]

Respect this guy!

[@alokintesla6585]

Awesome vídeo, excellent job, greetings.

[@anthonywendt5834]

I'd love to get into this field of work!

[@JamesHunterRoss]

Where the heck can somebody today, in 2020, learn how to do all that professionally? College? Apprenticeship? Do you have to be born into a machining family? These are serious skills here!

[@jeffstone2601]

FELICITACIONES ERES TODO UN MAESTRO EXPERTO EN EL ARTE DEL MECANIZADO CUANDO NO DARIA POR APRENDER DE TU SABIDURIA SALUDOS DESDE COLOMBIA

[@chriswouse7713]

Kept thinking "where's this 30 degree cut?" until 27:27, bingo! I see it! all makes sense!

[@thorvelasco1467]

That's awesome work, awesome machinist, awesome shop ! USA USA USA !

[@jbslittleshop2897]

Love the fact that the machine shop is using a CBN plated wheel to grind the valves. The plated wheels never loose their shape!!!

[@gibamec7636]

Good job, Masters! Perfect

[@btwbrand]

That Sunnen seat machine is ancient technology now, only a step above someone with a grinding rock and hand tools. The shop is taking care of it and using it properly so the work is good but could be better with some minor changes. That machine will only be as good as the care put into set-up for the cut. I would have liked to see the machinist show the process for checking taper and wear in the valve guides prior to setting the head up for making cuts as these are used guides and will have wear inside. There should be a selection of sizes to choose from for the pilot rod so you can find the tightest fit while the pilot still remains free moving in the guide. Pilot rods can be sized by the 1/10 of a thousandth when ordered. The closer that rod fits the better the end result. I only saw one rod chosen and it was forced down into the seat for the guide leveling process, something that should be avoided as you can force the guide to wedge at an angle when inserted into a less than ideal guide bore when the shoulder on the pilot meets the possible tapper at the end of the guide. This can cause the seat to be tilted in relation to the guide and that tilt will transfer to all later cuts. You should always chuck NEW or used valves into a face cutter to check for bent or out of round valves even if you do not plan on actually facing them. I can see a rounded leading edge on his seat cutter in the video, a touch-up with a green wheel would bring his cutter to life again and result in a better seat. If you notice in the video the pilot wobbles in the hole as he makes the cut to the seat because the cutter is dull and he's rubbing the profile into the seat more than he is cutting the seat. That will have a pretty finish but the job could be much better done with a correctly sharpened seat cutter. The idea here is to make the hole round and it could be much rounder if the cutter is sharp and not deflecting 1/16 an inch in every rotation of the spindle. You notice he said he was planning to lap the seats. That's not a process you need when your machine is rigid and your cutter is sharp but it's a better process than running a dull cutter on a side-loaded wobbling pilot and calling it a done deal. Granted he only lapped one set of valves to verify his seat location. Lapping valves is a step backwards towards the grinding rock as you are using grit to finish your seat which in poorly trained hands can embed the grit into the seat and valve faces and continually grind away at your seat work as the valve rotates in an operating motor. This problem can be seen on heads with lapped seats in motors that are run for a short time and are pulled apart at a later time. The seats will grind them selves wider and wider making the work put into having the sealing pressure being concentrated in as thin a seating surface as possible be a wasted effort after some running time. The embedded grit doesn't go away it gets pushed into the valve face deeper and deeper as the engine runs allowing it to continue a cutting action on the seat job. Slamming the valve into the seat while lapping will embed the grit of the compound into the valve face. I can hear and see this being done in the video, not an ideal way to do the work but in the long run it is not the end of the world. An engine is an air pump. It will work when it is worn out or perfectly machined. Hard run race engines are put together with loose tolerances for reliability yet the same engine going into a passenger car for use in commutes is put together tightly for reliability. At the end of the day any reasonable amount of effort will give you a working product and I have respect for people who do the best they can with the tools they have.

[@veterano130]

Great video

[@spooling42r]

I liked this vid even before I hit the play button : ), I always learn great usefull info from all your vids

[@roncoburn7771]

That was great Learned a lot

[@ryanclark2017]

awesome video!!

[@iliketacos2763]

Cool video , I miss doing valve jobs

[@enzomaidana5369]

The southern accent is so relaxed and calm..

[@antoniotpiro5733]

Wow.. thank you for this video.. extremely well done! Mark explained it well. This is the correct way to do it. Now I know what went wrong with my valve job I had done a while back... I can confirm it was a HACK crap job! I know what to look for now.. Thanks again.. Kudo's!