ARP head stud nut hitting valve spring seat

[treebonker]

You all know we have an issue with the standard ARP head stud washer and nut interfering with the valve spring. Most lay the washer before installing the head and just force the nut past the spring and let it strip past the spring seat. Well I did too until I saw what happened trying to figure out why the valve stem isn't parallel with the springs. While the spring seat cuts away at the nut the seat lifts off the floor binding the spring. WTF

I read about ARP's with a smaller nut. Is there a part number for the nut or are they sold as a set only? If I can get the nut I'd rather not cut the spring seat.

ARP 12mm studs w/ Supertech duals
pic-1: washer clears
pic-2: seat lifted (actually worse than shown)
pic-3: ahhhhhhhhhh

 

[Grescht]

that happened to mine when i installed my arp head studs. i just stuck the washers on before i lowered the head. for the nuts i just tightened them down. The springs flexed around them just fine. it was a very small amount. didn't hurt anything on mine, at least that I know of.

 

[shredwin]

Mine hit too when I put them on... you will be fine

 

[SkURTnDSM92T]

Third! Same exact thing happened...its all good

 

[No_Skillz]

Mine come close but don't touch. Are you sure you recieved the right size? Which size ARPs did your order and what part number?

Nice macro photography shots, btw.

 

[blcknspo0ln]

Mine come close but don't touch. Are you sure you recieved the right size? Which size ARPs did your order and what part number?

Nice macro photography shots, btw.

I've noticed it's more apparent with aftermarket springs.

 

[treebonker]

They're the correct studs as it's the same as my oldy. I would have never noticed the gap if it wasn't for the retainer lock installing tool. It wouldn't work for that one corner and I found out why. I tried installing the nut again and the seat just climbs up while the nut sprials down past the seat. It can't be good for the valve/guide.

Nothing's bolt-on on this damn thing, not even the bolts!

EDIT: I think I found the nut with the smaller collar.
ARP-300-8308
M12 x 1.25 12pt nut kit (small collar)
8470 chromoly 180,000 psi tensile strength.
ARP 300-8308 - ARP 12-Point Nuts - summitracing.com

 

[turboglenn]

NEver mind what i wrote, just re-read and understood you weren't asking about "is this normal?" but rather passing on info. So now all i can say is DAMN! I better do something about this on my next motor.

 

[tonster]

You have to grind down the nuts. Other wise you will leave a lot of potential risk. Mine hit like none other I am running a 7-bolt head on a 6-bolt block, with the 6-bolt head studs and Ferrera 6000 series dual valve springs in the head. I'd rather grind the nuts down then bending a spring causing a valve to snap at 8k.

 

[TOONAH]

Me too! I noticed that I had to work the washer past the seat on a couple, but I did not bother to check to see if the Arp nut worked up the valve seat after I torqued them. Damn,
Have to take the cover off, again!
Nice post. I need more like this. Thanks a million treebonker!