[Paul LeDuc]

Originally posted by Deathbypsi:
We could have Paul but this seemed to be the easiest solution

Ok, I was just thinking out loud. :thumbup:

[Deathbypsi]

So we mocked up the motor with the head on and discovered that the intake valves do not fit the pistons.
[Image: IMG_3865_zpsngcsihu8.jpg]
[Image: IMG_3867_zps5hcs1k9e.jpg]

Calls were made.... First to Diamond and they swore the pistons were cut correctly for the 1.89 valve. I had to politely disagree with him when he said to just run them because he knows they built them correct. So then he says if in fact I am right and they hit he says it must be that Esslinger moves the intake valve. I contacted Esslinger and as I already thought was confirmed the valves are in stock locations.
In the meantime my builder removed the valves from head and center punched the pistons then tore motor down. I had sent these pix to Diamond and I woke today to an email from them saying that they went back over my order and notes and discovered they had used the wrong cutters and now say DO NOT use the pistons until I send them back so they can correct them or remake them.

[TurboRay]

Did your "engine builder" discover this piston-to-valve interference with clay or a dial indicator, Brian -
OR.....by increased effort to rotate the motor thru TDC exhaust? Hopefully, by one of the two former methods, so as not to bend a valve(s).

This scenario certainly highlights the value of proper checks/inspections during assembly! :thumbup:

[Deathbypsi]

Yes my "engine builder" discovered the problem through standard procedures that any experienced "engine builder" uses when mocking up a new motor.

Lets call him Larry. Larry is no dumby.

[TurboRay]

The only reason I mentioned what I did is because there appears to be a fairly-obvious "impression" of the valve's perimeter in the intake eyebrow of that upper piston image you posted, Brian. Such is not usually the case when clay or a weak spring & dial indicator is used to determine PTV clearance. It was just an old-timer's casual observation, not intended to insult Larry or to imply that he's a dummy. :dunno:

EDIT: Upon further "casual observation", Diamond's explanation of having used "the wrong cutters" is puzzling - since the valve's radial clearance appears to be correct - at least for the intake pocket. It simply looks like they didn't cut it deep enough. :headscratch: No matter.....I'm sure they'll get it right - it's just too bad that it's gonna take a second shot to do it.

[47Austin]

Just go ahead and run it. that's the kind of company i want to deal with, it ain't their money, and they could give a crap less.At least they came clean, and it's yet to be seen if they make it right with you. I sure hope that they do. Good Luck, Brian.....

[n2xlr8n]

Aw man.

All 4 intake valves?

[Mavereq]

Something would be really off if it were only some of the intake valves

[n2xlr8n]

Originally posted by Mavereq:
Something would be really off if it were only some of the intake valves

Yep.

Brian has a handle on it (Diamond), but I have seen a tweaked rod and OOR journals do that. He did say mock up- not assembly.

[Deathbypsi]

Your looking at the wrong part of the pic...

The obvious die marks is the exhaust valve,which is perfect. If you look at the other relief pocket you will see barely a blue mark where the intake valve hit the piston and didnt fit the pocket.