Sunday, February 10, 2013

Sherwood Valves Are A Reliable Option

By Alyce Larson


Valves are required to control the air and fuel mixture within the engine cylinders during ignition. There are characteristically two instances where one may need to adjust or replace them, initially if the valve seals are worn out or when they are actually damaged. For both instances stockists of Sherwood Valves will be able to supply the required item for the job.

Most valves fit inside a sleeve that prevents gases from penetrating them, there are seals covering the top of the sleeve which keeps oil within the cover. These seals also prevent any oil from sucking into the engine. As most of these seals are made of rubber they will deteriorate over time and when worn will produce very unique and obvious symptoms.

One such sign is when a cold engine is ignited after standing for a few hours or overnight and blue-white smoke emerges from the exhaust. This occurs as a result of the rubber valves contracting when cool, leaving a minute gap in the seal. Residual oil lying inside the cover is sucked into the chamber on start up causing this plume of smoke.

During stop start traffic, which one is subject to when driving in the city another clear symptom may appear. When any car idles for very long periods of time the intake manifold vacuum builds up, this is because the throttle valve stays shut. On acceleration the oil that was formed on the manifold will be pulled in the sleeve and exude the smoke plume, but this may not happen during normal cruise speeds.

Another sign of compromised valve seals are when descending a steep hill where one will not use any gas, only the brakes. The downward slant of the vehicle will cause oil to assemble at the front section of the cover on the head. After starting to accelerate the oil will be burned up, leaving that all too familiar plume of smoke, this may last until all the oil has been burnt, but is only a temporary condition.

If your car is also going through large quantities of lubricant it is indicative of poor engine combustion. Checking the engine block for visible oil leaks will also confirm if the cause is mainly due to faulty seals, if none are found it will confirm this. Doing oil checks via the dipstick, and recording it, will also assist in alerting one immediately if there are any indications of poor combustion.

Unwarranted smoke over lingering engine operation will point to piston rings or valve guides being worn. Nevertheless if smoke emitted is only because of worn seals then it will occur intermittently for short periods of time. This colored smoke is basically the only visible warning that something is not perfect within your engines operation.

Where valves need to be adjusted or replaced there are many DIY sites available that will give you instructions. However if you are not that brave then there are many reputable mechanics that would be able to assist you. It is recommended though that only Sherwood valves are used.




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