Fini mk102 valve plate renovation - possible?

[amron]

I have a Fini mk102 compressor head that has faulty valve plate. I've checked with the local agent and the cost of a spare plate seems unreasonable high. I would like to ask if someone repaird such a plate and if so, how did it worked?
Thanx.

 

[rtbcomp]

It may just be a buildup of crud on the valves and a clean & polish may fix it.

 

[amron]

I've cleaned it and it seems clean. to polish it I have to take it apart - the valve leafs are riveted. I think that it will be the "point of no return". that's why I asked if smoeone done it.
Thanx.

 

[tigler]

Rivitted valve plates are a service replacement item, not intended to be repaired I'm afraid.

 

[amron]

I was told that the plate's price is equivalent to more then 70 pounds. it seems that it is unproportional expensive. that's why I would like to try to repair it. I think that it's possible to drill carefully the rivets and replace them afterwards.

 

[tigler]

You could give it a try. If carbon build up isn't the problem, the typical reason for failure with reed type valves is fatigue, in which case the actual reed itself will need replacement. They are made from stainless steel, if you can find a suitable material you could try to make some new ones.

 

[amron]

Thanx. I think I'm gonna give it a try.

 

[gordon stephenson]

I made some replacement valves for am ancient York Shipley compressor from some thin stainless spring steel and they lasted donkeys years, Give it a try you have nothing to lose.

 

[Ducati]

You could give it a try. If carbon build up isn't the problem, the typical reason for failure with reed type valves is fatigue, in which case the actual reed itself will need replacement. They are made from stainless steel, if you can find a suitable material you could try to make some new ones.

Though not knowing the dimensions of the reeds, his best bet would be a trip to his local engineers supplies or such as here http://www.mscjlindustrial.co.uk/CGI/INSRCH?N=4177 ( there are lots of others ) for a piece of stainless shim stock.

It's not expensive and having enough for a couple of trial runs helps.

Care is needed when cutting, drilling and riveting them to prevent distortion.

I made one for a Yamaha boat engine many moons ago from a stainless feeler gauge blade, saved a pals holiday and increased my free alcohol intake that week