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My old springs aren't much longer than that. Most of what I have seen are rated 85# @ 2". The original motor was replaced by a eab and I don't know the year. Do you have a part number? I'm not where I can measure them now. thanks
The "generic" and 1950 listing Ford part number 78-6513 which is 2.41" long... Should be used with 8BA-6505-A valves
A later 1950 specific part number would be 0BA-6513-A which is 2.48" long... Should be used with 8BA-6505-A, 8RT-6505-A,B,C valves
Another option from the books is 1BA-6514-A which is 2.20" long... Should be used with 1BA-6505-A valves. These have a test length of 1.89" and a a range of 39-44 lbs.
Another option from the books is 1BA-6514-A which is 2.20" long... Should be used with 1BA-6505-A valves. These have a test length of 1.89" and a a range of 39-44 lbs.
An EAB engine would have valve rotators, which use a shorter spring than the '48 - '50 assemblies. The spec above should be the correct one, unless the valves and retainers, etc. have been replaced with the earlier type.
Last edited by ALBUQ F-1; Jan 14, 2026 at 08:54 PM.
These days, I find it is very hard to trust flathead designations as the history of the engine is unknown and many parts/assemblies can be interchanged individually, or as a set of components. EAB heads (the over simplified tell that some use) can be found on just about any block build.
I checked the springs @ 2" and they were 20+28#. They measured 2.20" free. The valve length was 4.820-4.830 and the keeper groove is .220 from the end. No rotaters. I thick I need new springs and want to get the correct ones. The #4 exhaust valve seat was cupped indicating weak spring tension. I have owned this truck since the 60's and believe the motor was swapped before I bought it hence the EAB motor
Thanks for your help.
It sounds like you have short rotator style springs with early valves, or at least without rotators. They seem to be weak regardless.
I'm not sure what you mean by the seat being "cupped"? Do you mean the seat has recessed? I don't think weak springs would cause any damage to a seat.
Does the engine have hardened valve seats? If not I highly recommend you get them installed, especially if you aren't running rotators.
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Only #4 exhaust was recessed and it was 360 degrees. I read somewhere that this was a sign of weak pressure force. I am checking with a couple suppliers on their 1Ba 6513 spring pressure force. Thanks for your help.
Only #4 exhaust was recessed and it was 360 degrees. I read somewhere that this was a sign of weak pressure force. I am checking with a couple suppliers on their 1Ba 6513 spring pressure force. Thanks for your help.
That is a rotator type assembly, which would be correct for an EAB engine (stock).
Rotator on the left, early non-rotator on the right.
I think you nailed it. Looks like my motor is a 1951 EAB motor with non rotating valves. I feel confident now with the springs I need. Thank you, thank you
51 was the introduction of the rotator valve styles which is evident in the keeper mechanism differences.
It is my understanding that your EAB wouldn't have hardened valve seats from the factory. Most elect to have hardened valve seats and related installed at rebuild.
51 was the introduction of the rotator valve styles which is evident in the keeper mechanism differences.
It is my understanding that your EAB wouldn't have hardened valve seats from the factory. Most elect to have hardened valve seats and related installed at rebuild.
Am I right when I say earlier flatheads had hardened seats?
