So, let me first start out by saying what I know and what I've read. I know about fine and coarse compounds, I know how to do it, I know that it's normally a finishing step, I know that getting the valves cut first is the right way to do it. Well, I'll also say that the valves are in great condition, but I am installing new valve stems so I figured I'd lap them while I'm putting them back in.

http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/must...ur-valves.html

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/does...re-158963.html

Google's first two results, which were EXTREMELY helpful, god I love forums.
I'll also say that I am doing this on a '96 318ti w/ an M44 motor, but I love Driver and I know there's some real smart builders on here. This will be my Daily Driver and my beater car to save gas and quit putting miles on the G, so I don't care to have this job be top notch quality, but obviously of decent quality.

My questions:
I'm assuming Prussian blue is a simple indicator die. Well, so many posts say use prussian blue, and when lapping you should have a grey finish when you're done lapping. Why not blue? So then, what's the point of this blue?

Also, if someone feels like throwing out a quick tutorial, or pics, or really ANY information that would be a great amount of help. Any information at all would be glorious.

And please, let's not have another thread requesting information have a million views and two posts....

Thanks, Tyler.

 

the dye is blue and when you finish lapping the valve/seat to a full around finish...the dye should be worn off......thats when you know you have an even finish. if you have some spots still, keep lapping it until its a smoothed out finish. but then make sure you set your valve stem heights once you're done with all that.

 

What do you mean by setting valve heights?