Sticking Valves

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Nov 23, 2004 | 08:52 PM

ELHead

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From: ZIP CITY AL

Sticking Valves

Has any one ever dealt with valves sticking on a running engine to the point of causing a problem with compression? The reason for this question is that a friend has a late 40's Packard that he is wanting to sell to finance a 50 Ford P/U project (and get his wife off his back). Anyway he thought it would be a good idea to run the old gas out and replace it wit fresh fuel, so he left it idling in the drive for some time. No overheating or other problems cropped up. but the next day when new fuel was in the tank and the starting attempt was made nothing but a high speed spin of the old crank shaft and no firing. Can anyone help? Thanks DAve

Nov 23, 2004 | 09:47 PM

Howdy

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From: Oregon

Have him charge the battery and then check for spark. The old generators didn't charge at idle, so he probably ran the battery down a little. With no power to the ignition system, sometimes that starter will really spin...

Nov 24, 2004 | 10:18 PM

ELHead

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From: ZIP CITY AL

Thanks for the reply Howdy. we will give that a try.

Nov 27, 2004 | 05:23 PM

F150'89

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From: Roland, Ar

I had a old Datsun truck that sat for a few years and got it running to sell it, same thing happend to me. I ran the engine for about an hour and then shut it off and came out the next day and it would not start. The engine just spun like it had no compression so I removed the valve cover and all of the intake valves were stuck part way open. I guess the bad gas made varnish on the valve stems because the crud on them was very stickey.

Nov 27, 2004 | 08:40 PM

ELHead

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From: ZIP CITY AL

Hey F150'89, Did you cure the problem with the Datsun? if so what did you use to clean the varnish off the valve stems? Thanks for the reply, DAve

Nov 27, 2004 | 08:51 PM

F150'89

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From: Roland, Ar

Quote:

Originally Posted by ELHead

Hey F150'89, Did you cure the problem with the Datsun? if so what did you use to clean the varnish off the valve stems? Thanks for the reply, DAve

Well I removed the cylinder head and took the valves out and all 4 of the intake valves were bent from striking the pistons while trying to start the engine! So I sold the truck.

Nov 28, 2004 | 12:39 AM

furball69

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From: Calgary, Canada

Methyl alcohol works. Same stuff as gas line antifreeze and major ingredient in injector cleaner. You should be able to get it by the jug at home depot. I think the carrier in silicone lube is ether; that will also likely work.