The factory oil control valve on oil-cooled M8 engines regulates the amount of oil flowing to the oil cooler/heads. The factory assembly includes a check ball retainer that is made of formed steel. Over time, this retainer can fatigue and break, causing chips to flow through the oil system and potentially causing significant damage along the way.
The S&S oil control valve is constructed of 6061 billet aluminum, and the check ball retainer is machined from high-strength steel for long-lasting durability. The end result is a low-cost insurance policy for high-performance motors.