Mercruiser valve spings and head gaskets
 

Hi have apair of 97 525sc with 300 hrs on them going to pull the heads replace head gaskets and do a valve job I also want to replace the valve spings can anyone tell me who makes the valve spings ? I have read it was crane dose anyone have the correct crane part # also whats the best recomendation on a head gasket Fel pro? anyone got a part # thanks

I have always been using Fel-Pro #8180PT2 head gaskets on my 454's

Regarding springs, go with the Iskys.I think they are way better than Crane.

The 525sc has a flat tappet hyd. cam. You can look up the parts at www.cranecams.com. The cam is pretty mild and the Crane valve springs last a long time. I've had several engines with this cam and never had a problem. My last one had 600+ hrs on them when I sold it.

Good advice from PatriYacht.........follow it.

Glad some of you had good luck with Crane, I just broke a valve spring at 30hours. This weekend I'm installing the Comp 929 springs. Hopefully they work out better.
Do a search on the Subject. Unfortunately Crane valve springs don't have a good reputatation in IMHO.
Felpro gaskets work good. Felpro intake gaskets can be a little big around the water jacket, make sure you get the right gaskets for your application.
Good luck

Most Crane valve spring problems are with older HP500s . They use a different spring with much more pressure on a roller cam. Totally different animal.

I haven't had good luck with Crane in SBC, BBC, and some small block Ford engines as well...just my .02....Fred

The crane cam # 132561
Spring/retainer kit #13308-1

Patri yacht,
The Crane springs that broke at 30 hours are the new design. I probably got the set that was made on a late fri afternoon . :( plus it damaged my rocker arm. I have switched to Comp 929 springs with the Comp Pro Magnum rockers. Hopefully these are going to last.

You can use the Isky 8005-A spring.