intake valve oilers

I have a 1956 Pan with a 1955 front head & 1956 rear head. My problem is with the intake valve oilers. The one on the front head is an open tube, the one on the rear has a check ball in it. Has anybody any ideas about this? The front one doesn't look modified and obviously the rear hasn't accidentally gained a check ball and crimp to hold it in. I'm puzzled!

Ron!

They both should have balls in them.

Wonder where the other one went.

....Cotten

Ron!

They both should have balls in them.

Wonder where the other one went.

....Cotten

Now there's a question. Long gone by now. Probably been like that for many years. Was the ball there just to slow the flow of oil, a tight seal wouldn't have worked, or would it?
I guess if I can find a small ball bearing, insert that and crimp the end that should do.

I wouldn't worry about the oiler. 9 times out of 10 they are plugged with dry oil any way. I have been eliminating them for 25 yrs without problems. No more noticable wear at rocker to valve contact surface.

Ron!

Its anybody's guess as to what they were thinking with the balls!

They are supposed to be loose when you shake them.
Perhaps perhaps they were intended to trap some oil upon sitting, but release it when the motor started and shook them!

After all, a great deal of motor wear occurs at start-up.

And keeping everything wet with oil was the real purpose of the felts.
Felts do so well alone, that I have found rockers where the cup gallery had been completely shut off by improper welding, but suffered no unusual wear to the cup.

Note welding rod visible on left.

....Cotten

So that's what the felts are for.I always thought they were to stop drumming or absorb the impact if (when) the rocker hits the pan.
I've put everything back as it was, it's been working OK for the 35 years I've had it.
Thanks for all the advice.