Hi,
I too was shocked to learn the motors are designed to run between 300 and 400 degrees. Since they are air cooled boiling water at 212 isn't an important fact to consider. Also note the cylinder & head reach the higher temps, not the oil in the crankcase. The crankcase normally runs about 160 to 180 degrees.
After being told about the correct operating temps on an air cool motor, I tested the temps with my digital heat sensor on several motors, and found the best running versions were running over 300 degrees.
I have modified over 300 WC-1 cylinders with the set screws, and so far all are still working. The set screws are installed at a 90 degree spacing and two per seat. I normally drill the holes deep enough to touch the edge of the seat to allow the pressure from the set screws to hold the seat firmly.
DUH! of course the valve seats being held in place doesn't have any effect on the operating temp.
I have had a bunch of camshafts ground for the new motor [and the vintage version also].
Here are the choices:
Early NE camshaft [.186" lift]
Late NE camshaft [much weaker than early]
Version one Weber regrind [.193" lift]
Version two Weber regrind [.178" lift]
Raceway Welded [.198" lift]
Precision regrind [.212" lift]
All require GOOD mushroom lifters [not soft Taiwan trash]. Lifter needs to be precision, light weight, and HARDENED. American made version are within .0002" of specs.
I am including a picture of the set screws installed, as many have had local machine shops upgrade the cylinders. Please note the seats will most likely need to be re-cut after installing the set screws.
Have fun,
I too was shocked to learn the motors are designed to run between 300 and 400 degrees. Since they are air cooled boiling water at 212 isn't an important fact to consider. Also note the cylinder & head reach the higher temps, not the oil in the crankcase. The crankcase normally runs about 160 to 180 degrees.
After being told about the correct operating temps on an air cool motor, I tested the temps with my digital heat sensor on several motors, and found the best running versions were running over 300 degrees.
I have modified over 300 WC-1 cylinders with the set screws, and so far all are still working. The set screws are installed at a 90 degree spacing and two per seat. I normally drill the holes deep enough to touch the edge of the seat to allow the pressure from the set screws to hold the seat firmly.
DUH! of course the valve seats being held in place doesn't have any effect on the operating temp.
I have had a bunch of camshafts ground for the new motor [and the vintage version also].
Here are the choices:
Early NE camshaft [.186" lift]
Late NE camshaft [much weaker than early]
Version one Weber regrind [.193" lift]
Version two Weber regrind [.178" lift]
Raceway Welded [.198" lift]
Precision regrind [.212" lift]
All require GOOD mushroom lifters [not soft Taiwan trash]. Lifter needs to be precision, light weight, and HARDENED. American made version are within .0002" of specs.
I am including a picture of the set screws installed, as many have had local machine shops upgrade the cylinders. Please note the seats will most likely need to be re-cut after installing the set screws.
Have fun,
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