Need to (gently) lap valves - correct compound?
 

I've removed the valves (plus springs, etc.) from my 85.5's head, and want to lap them soon - but am not sure what my best option would be for lapping compound. I want to buy local so I can do this quickly - but all the local shops seem to carry is Permatex - and the finest grit I can find in the grease-based compound is 150.

My gut tells me that I might need something a bit finer for the "gentle" lap that my valves could use - as the intake faces are quite smooth and shiny in general, with only a few varnish marks, while the exhaust faces are a bit more varnished and a bit carbonized, but still exhibit no scoring or pitting. valve seats are about the same - with no obvious pits.

There seems to be a pretty good deal online for something called Clover Lapping Compound - a two-grit (120 and 240) kit which seems to come in dry powder form set up for DIY mix with oil.

At any rate...would the Permatex 150 grit work - or should I look for something finer?

I lapped mine with the 150 grit just took it easy on the ones that needed less work, in fact for the ones that needed quite a bit more work I ended up speeding up the process using my variable speed drill. If you use this method BE CAREFUL!

FYI My 944 NA as never run better.:D

Lony

If any of your local stores have the non wet dry sand paper, you could get a few bits of paper at whatever finer grit you want to use.. Soak it in hot water, in a bucket, then rub the two papers together to rub the grit off the paper, into the bucket, pour it through a cheap paint filter, sun dry, mix with wheel bearing grease.... ;)