Valve springs 8cyl

pmlmbigpondcom

G’day All
I was wondering as to the purpose of the tinplate cylindrical  items in which the valve springs sit.
The springs seem to be well positioned and would appreciate thoughts or comments as to why they are used
thanks
Phil

bob ward

They are 'valve spring dampeners'. The following is from the service manual:-

The springs are encased at the lower end in steel cages to maintain alignment and prevent flutter at high speed. When reinstalling the cages be sure they are opened properly at the top to prevent engaging in the valve spring coils during operation.

Geoff

They were discontinued later on, and I have seen a bulletin recommending leaving them out, as they tended to  retard the closing of the valves, leading to tappet knock.  It could be perhaps that they tended to "squash" inwards at the top tending to  jam the spring coils.  Certainly the 1948-52 8 cylinder motors never had them., 

pmlmbigpondcom

Thanks guys
My curiosity is relieved
Phil