DeTomaso Mailing List: October 99, Message #79

> Assembling my valve train last month, I noticed that on a few valve tips
> the
> rocker arm's roller tip was off to the side rather then perfectly
> centered.
> Unfortunately, I was unable to adjust my guideplates to correct the
> offset.
> It has bothered me as I presume it would cause accelerated guide wear.  I
> had considered cutting the guideplates to allow adjustability but had
> never
> heard of anyone performing this modification.  You've given me the green
> light.
> 
It's a pretty common procedure.  Just about every set of assembled
high port heads I've seen has had them cut.  It's a little tricky getting 
the stud torqued down while keeping the guide plate from rotating.
It helps to have a second set of hands or something for them to butt
up against.

> Any suggestions on cutting the hardened guideplates?
> 
I use a high speed die grinder and reinforced cutoff wheels, then
clean them up on the bench grinder.

Dan Jones