Well , to be honest , I really do have the feeling that the valve might be "tweaked" a tad , and that's why its sticking .
When the stuck valve was discovered , I kept applying carburetor cleaner and PB Blaster on it for a couple of days . With that and slight tapping with a dead blow hammer , the valve started to move . But it was really stiff . It would tap down and then slowly rebound .
Here's what doesn't make sense . After working with it for awhile it "broke free" but then it would stick again . It kept repeating this action of being free and then sticking . Once it seemed to be freed the engine was started and run for at least an hour . Additional squirts of PB Blaster and clean motor oil were squirted into all valve springs in an effort to clean and lube the stems . The compression was all over the place before the engine was run ,(75-160) but settled back to a respectable 155-165 psi in all cylinders after it was run awhile .
The reason that I have concerns about the valve being bent is the way it will stick one second and be totally free the next .
The engine has been run for several hours now and yet the valve will still stick . What doesn't add up is the compression in that cylinder still being equal with the other cylinders . I'd think that a bent valve would leak , but maybe the stem is tweaked just enough that it is causing the valve to stick , but allowing the head of the valve to still seal .
It's all guessing at this point , and I won't know for certain until I tear it down .
I haven't goosed the crap out of the engine for fear the valve might stick at higher rpm. The higher rpm needed to drive it 20 miles on the highway is my main concern . The "what if" the valve should stick at higher rpm ?
I'll look into the Kroil , but I have to say that I've never seen it around here . Not that I was looking for it , but you know how you just happen notice things while killing time in the automotive store for hours waiting for wife to finish checking out the latest in new Bra's . After awhile a guy can get a pretty good idea of what new engine in a can stuff is out there .
Well... today is suppose to be the big day for getting the van home , so with any luck it will make it in one piece . If the valve is stuck again when I get there...I think that I'll have to break down and have it towed . I really don't want to replace the engine over a tow bill .
Thanks again for the input !
Last edited by Guest; 10/01/2010 6:18 PM.
