Caring for Plastic Valve Guides

[iMav]

Years ago my son got me a set of Grypmat "tool box organizers," saying "Maybe you can use these." They've become a part of my life. The "small" one I have has four parallel sections, each of which can handle a valve piston and associated parts. Unfortunately, I can't find that one offered as a single product (not part of a set) online either at Amazon or the Grypmat site. But Amazon also lists several competing products that seem to be about the same. They're a soft (silicone?) material and won't mar anything -- but very sturdy and virtually indestructable.

This one looks like a winner:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BRQRTFSM

[cassb]

Well, actually have a better idea that I've thought about before. I'm going to scratch the valve number right on the top of the piston itself. I don't know why they don't do that at the factory in the first place.

[ghmerrill]

Well, actually have a better idea that I've thought about before. I'm going to scratch the valve number right on the top of the piston itself. I don't know why they don't do that at the factory in the first place.

It should already be there. Mine are clearly stamped in the brass top of the piston, visible between the plastic edge of the valve guide and piston edge. I think if you look there with a magnifying glass, you'll see the numbers -- although I concede some may be only partly visible.

[ghmerrill]

This one looks like a winner:

Yeah, I think it's better for working with valves because of the long parallel slots. I need to get one of those.

[cassb]

It should already be there. Mine are clearly stamped in the brass top of the piston, visible between the plastic edge of the valve guide and piston edge. I think if you look there with a magnifying glass, you'll see the numbers -- although I concede some may be only partly visible.

Actually, you are right. It's stamped with a tiny number on the bottom of the piston. Well, I'm going to chalk up yesterday as a learning experience. Thank you! :-)