I erroneously removed the dampers from the valve springs of my soon-to-be-assembled "1 HP/cu in." 455 project engine thinking it was necessary for cam break-in. Of course, I waited until after doing so to ask the local engine builder (who will most likely do the dyno break-in run for me) if that was necessary considering how little spring pressure the dampers exert. He indicated there's no reason to remove the dampers (especially considering the less-than 290 psi over-the-nose spring pressure) for just the reason I questioned it. In fact, he said it wasn't a good idea to do so since it's easy to scratch the inner surfaces of the springs while digging out the dampers with a small sharp tool. Makes good sense to me, so I'll know better next time. Anyway, he suggested that, since I already removed them, it would be a good idea to use a Scotch-Brite wheel to polish the sharp edges at each end of the dampers. I assume that the idea is to remove any possible cutting-edge to reduce the potential for damage to the springs themselves, retainers, etc. that the dampers touch, or might ride against. Comments? Good idea? Bad idea? Waste of time?
A dampner doesn't do anything but what the name implies, they dampin spring harmonics and don't contribute to spring pressure at all. You absolutely should take out them out in any and all applications and radius the sharp edge on top and bottom. I've seen them cut retainers and dig in to cylinder heads. There's no reason not to do it, cost nothing to do and it's a little piece of mind/ insurance
