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[ermesvigne020]

Hello everyone,
I'm Italian and I'm new to this forum and I have a question about a replacement I need. Can you please help me?
I found this picture on the forum http://www.pontiacregistry.com/members/download.php?id=1459&sid=46c3b11ac1002eeb3d07ab87af8fa221

and I would need that piece which is over the spring. Does anyone know where I can order it? And what is its specific name?

Thank you!

[Larry]

I am a little confused here.

What part are you referring to? Is it the water distribution tube? All the other parts are parts of the valve assemblies.

Please let us know. And tell us your car year, model, engine type, etc. so we can help you.

Most everything can still be found for what you need.

[Guest]

hello,
the part I need is the one in yellow, I don't know if it is possible to find it and what is its name.
My car model is Pontiac Catalina year 1954, engine Straight 8
Can you provide it?
Thank you very much!

[Larry]

That is called the "valve spring cage."

Check with Kurt Kelsey. You can find his contact information under "AFFILIATES" and then "Pontiac Parts."

Also check with California Pontiac Parts. See their ad to the right.

If they don't have it check Then & Now also shown under "AFFILIATES."

If you can't find, let us know again. There are other places to still check.

[Ermes]

Hello,
I checked and contacted the sites you gave me but unfortunately the first doesn't work and I haven't received any reply by the second yet.
Dou you know other places to check? Could you please tell me other names? I've contacted also Frank's Pontiac Parts but they don't have the part I need.
Thank you very much!

[ermes]

Hello everyone,
can somebody help me with the part I'm looking for??
Thank you!

[Larry]

Try Then and Now Automotive at: http://www.then-now.com

Also try: Notrhwestern Auto Supply at: http://northwesternautosupply.com/

And Kanter Auto Products at: http://www.kanter.com/

Let us know if any of these help. If not, we will think of some more to try.

[ermes]

Hello, I have contacted them but unfortunately they don't offer that piece; it looks like nobody can provide it.
If you have any other contact please let me know.
Thank you very much for your kind help!

[50scars]

According to my parts book, all engines 33-49 had valve spring cages, but from 50-54, only the 6 cylinder engines had valve spring cages. I have 2 original 51 - 8 cylinder engines, and neither of them have valve spring cages.

[Larry]

I checked the '49-54 Service manual, and while it does show the same picture you originally posted and mentions the, it does not specify what engines or years of engines had them. "50scars" Parts Manual reference should be pretty clear that the '54 8 does not have them. Plus he has engines without them too.

I have looked on line and there are many different valve spring retainers used on many engines over the years, even late model and performance engines. Some of the retainers are inside the spring coils.

I am betting that the straight-8 engines were so smooth (I had a couple) it was determined that they did not need them. They weren't exactly high RPM engines either.

[Larry]

OK, I think we have a final answer that should make you happy, Below is information I received when I asked our Flathead Adviser your question. It is along the thoughts i was having too. Good luck!

The cages were supposed to prevent spring vibration during operation. I don't believe they were really necessary as other flatheads of the time did not use any similar device: ie Packard, Chrysler, Hudson etc. I have never assembled an engine without them but I think it will operate fine without them. Used springs out of a parts engine as you suggest may be the only source for them.

[Guest]

All right, I understand, this was very helpful.
Thank you very much, really kind!!
Best wishes.