Why a "Lashlock"? lashlock application
First
we should talk about the function of a valve lock, how it is designed to
work and the reason for the bead.
A valve locks function is very much like a collet in the common lathe or
mill. This is probably the reason the Europeans call a valve lock a collets.
The tapered design squeezes the valve stem and locks in position based on
alignment provided by the bead in the lock itself. The spring retainers
location is determined by the position of the lock. The bead is only there
as a locating device and not as a shear ring.
In the domestic motor sports industry two different tapers and two types of
locating beads are used. Taper choices are 7° and 10° and bead types are
conventional groove (square) and a radial bead (round). Each taper and bead
has its own reason and our personal preferences come into play during the
decision making process.
No mater what configuration we choose we still have the issue of valve tip
protection to consider. In some cases a hard Stelite tip is inserted into
the valve, which provides a working surface for the rocker arm. This works
well in applications where the contact pressures are reasonable and
controlled. These inserts can break and become debris in the oil pan. In
other applications a lash cap is fitted over the valve tip. Lash caps do a
fare job of limiting valve damage, but in applications where High RPM and
cylinder pressures are encountered, lash caps can rock or pivot on the valve
tip. After a prolonged period of time the valve tip will become rounded or
ball shaped. Lash caps can also be thrown loose during moments of valve
float.
Our solution to these potential failures, and
our approach to the protection of the valve stem is the
“LASH-LOCK”. The
design of this unique valve lock provides the most suitable locking forces
and valve stem protection of any lock available. We have now made the
“LASH-LOCK” technology that up to now has primarily been utilized by the TOP
FUEL / FUNNY CAR segment of our industry, available to all with extreme
applications.
The illustration below shows the “LASH-LOCK” completely capturing the valve tip and does not allow the valve tip to come in contact with the rockerarm.
.