Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 60# valve spring questions

[JGheen]

Is it really worth it to install the 60# valve springs if your not running an exhaust brake?? I don't really tow anything, maybe a friends boat here and there, so I don't run an e-brake. But I was wondering if anyone sees any performance gain from switching to the heavier springs? Also, do they decrease the life of the stock valves or increase seat wear at all due to the higher seat and open pressure?? If so are there any aftermarket valves that can be installed, maybe Piers has some that you guys have heard of??



Joe

 

[bighammer]

I think the only reasons to change to heavier springs are for an exhaust brake and/or 4k governor spring kit.

 

[1dslram]

The only gain in H. P. would be if you install the 4K GSK and that is well worth the labor.

Bruce

 

[bmoeller]

Even if you put them in, added wear shouldn't be that much. They (Cummins) use the 60# springs in other applications, stock.

 

[Deezul1]

I have the 4k GSK and the stock springs. I dont go above 3400 if I can help it and it hasnt been a problem so far. I think thats about the limit on stock springs. I also have a exhaust brake but the back pressure is set so the stock springs arnt a problem. 60# springs would allow me to generate more braking force but everything is working fine as is.

 

[JGheen]

Thanks guys, I think I will wait to install the heavier springs until the one day that my head gasket starts leaking and I can pull the head and change them rather than change them while the head is on the engine in the truck.

It seems like they would also prevent any float situations at the higher engine speeds, which a 4k gsk would allow. But I don't plan on going with a 4k, my 3k gsk is suiting my needs very well.



Joe

 

[BV]

Like the others said - The heavier springs are not needed unless you use an EBrake at it's maxumum capacity or if you go with a 4k GSK.



I would also like to add that you would need to upgrade both the intake and exhaust spring if you go with a 4k GSK and that it will add wear to the valve train (Cam, Lifters, Valves blah blah)

 

[Coalsmoke]

How would I be able to tell whether I currently have the 30lb or 60lb exhaust springs with my truck? I bought it with an exhaust brake already on it.

 

[DSiemens]

Visual check. Pull off a valve cover. The 60 springs are quite a bit thicker. They appear quite thick especially in the middle.

 

[krs]

"Visual check. Pull off a valve cover. The 60 springs are quite a bit thicker. They appear quite thick especially in the middle".



I'm not so sure that a visual check would show them when installed. The 60#s are a little taller and both of my sets had a white paint mark on them, but they aren't all that different looking as to be obvious.



They're a definite safety net - better to have them than to have a valve kiss a piston because you don't. It only takes a split second to make lunch in the Cummins delicatessen.

 

[BV]

Originally posted by KRS

"Visual check. Pull off a valve cover. The 60 springs are quite a bit thicker. They appear quite thick especially in the middle".



I'm not so sure that a visual check would show them when installed. The 60#s are a little taller and both of my sets had a white paint mark on them, but they aren't all that different looking as to be obvious.



They're a definite safety net - better to have them than to have a valve kiss a piston because you don't. It only takes a split second to make lunch in the Cummins delicatessen.

Yes you can see the physical difference while installed. The heavier springs are made of heavier guage metal and have a little bit of a football shape or bigger around in the middle.

 

[JGheen]

Originally posted by Coalsmoke

How would I be able to tell whether I currently have the 30lb or 60lb exhaust springs with my truck? I bought it with an exhaust brake already on it.

Since you have an e-brake on the engine already, I bet you are running the heavier springs. I called Cummins and they told me to give them my engine ID # and they would look up in their system if mine was built from the factory with the heavier springs. I was pricing the springs and the parts guy at the counter told me that some engines came with the heavier springs already and some had the regular springs. Mine has the regular springs according to their records.

 

[Deezul1]

I think all the 24 valve engines have the heavier springs

 

[JGheen]

Yeah, I heard that as well. I just thought it was odd that some 12v were built with the heavier springs and some weren't... ... according to that Cummins parts tech.

 

[nascar mark]

As Piers puts it "the 60lb springs look pregnant compared to regular springs".



And yes the 24v's have the equivalent of 60lbs with 2 springs each.