What metal is used for valves ?

I have constructed the PM Research 3BIM engine and will soon be starting on the 7BIM. The plans say that the valves are made of brass but they look more like steel to me.

1. What sort of steel would it be : stainless steel or silver steel ?

2. Could aluminium be used for valves when it comes time to machining my own engines ?

As its a piston valve engine I would go with stainless steel, silver steel would be far too prone to rusting. Brass would be OK in the casting and a lot easier to machine than stainless

Aluminium would not be a good choice for this application.

J

Edited By JasonB on 07/08/2014 18:18:08

Brian, I'd use stainless steel or bronze if I had it, or brass.

OT Just been looking at your album. turn the die in the holder so the slot is at 12 o'clock, so that the centre screw fits in the slot to open it.(you probably know all that stuff).

Ian S C

Intrigued as to how you can 'see' what material is used by looking at the plan.

The photo of the engine on the PM website doesn't show the valves per se either.

Just wondering.

The plans have an exploded drawing with each part numbered. There is a chart on one side with a list of the numbered parts, their size and composition eg. part #10  1 X valve  1/4 dia. brass

Edited By Brian John on 08/08/2014 18:03:16

Looking at the machined kit for one of their similar style singles it certainly looks like Stainless rather than brass, why not send them an e-mail to be sure.

J