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350 valve size
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2017 1:58 am
by nickbarber
Hi all, Does anyone know if there is a difference between the valve stem lengths on 1960's 350 bullets vs 90's/00's 350 bullets? The ones I fitted to my 70's 350 seems a bit longer above the collets. thanks -NB
350 valve size
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2017 6:36 am
by binary
The earlier valves had stem valve caps that fitted over the end of the valves above the collets. Some of the later valve kits sold by Hitchcocks have hardened valve ends and so do not need a valve stem cap. I am thinking that if you have bought some of these they may be a bit longer. What did the head have in it when you pulled it apart. If the head was sitting around for a while the valve stem caps may have fallen off.
If you have bought the older valves you have to run them with the hardened valve caps. Perhaps you have the wrong valves and others on the forum will know more.
350 valve size
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2017 7:49 am
by nickbarber
The head had valves with the valve caps on them, unfortunately the valves had quite bad pitting on them.. i had spare valves from an early 2000's model 350 that I fitted, but now the valves are stuck open when everything is back in, even with the shortest pushrod adjustment and no valve stem cap. The only difference I can see is that the valve stem length is maybe 5mm longer.
350 valve size
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2017 10:11 pm
by binary
Ni nickbarber Sorry but I can only help with the early models. When I changed the valves my old 1964 350 head I just bought some more from the Indians with new valve caps and they went right in with no problems.
I am not sure if things changed in the 2000's. You may have to email Hitchcocks to see if there is any difference. Indian valves are of ok quality for the 350 engine. To test you could put the old valves back in just to see if every thing fits and adjust's up ok and at least then you would really know which valves that you need or if there is some other problem. A lot of stuffing around I know but if it is ok with the original valves back in then you can just order some more of them. This may save you money in the long run by finding out the exact valves that you need to buy, rather than just buying valves and hoping that they will fit. Has this motorcycle been running before or is it a restoration that has been bought in a non running condition and you are doing it up.