Valve springs
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Junior User
Joined: May 2002
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Valve springs
Hey,
does anyone know anything about valve springs?
I just installed a new cam and intake on my 5.8L ho and I think my valves springs are floating!? Does anyone know if this would make any kind of sound and what sound it would make?
I need help!
Thanks
kman
does anyone know anything about valve springs?
I just installed a new cam and intake on my 5.8L ho and I think my valves springs are floating!? Does anyone know if this would make any kind of sound and what sound it would make?
I need help!
Thanks
kman
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 140
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From: CT USA
Valve springs
The general rule of thumb is when you change the cam you should change the lifters and springs too. Most people will change the pushrods also. If you put in a more radical cam than the stock one (or even a new stock one) chances are good that the valves could be floating. The old spring probably dont have the pressure to keep up with the other new parts. Im not sure if the engine would sound different if the valves are floating but you will just be losing a lot of performance you could have had. The combustion chamber will not be sealed for the correct amount of time and less compression will have a chance to build up.
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 375
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From: nc
Valve springs
kman, i can't explain the sound that you may hear, but the engine will tend to nose over and feel flat. either way its not good. the cam grinder always makes a spring recomendation and if the engine had a fair bit of miles on it the springs should be replaced to get the most from the cam. if you have a stock cylinder head on this engine. the upper limit on rpm should remain under 5500 regardless what cam is used. hope this helps.
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Junior User
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Valve springs
I dont know what you mean by "nose over and feel flat"
I have noticed that sometimes if i am under mild acceleration that if i slowly let off a little bit then i can feel my engine kind of "nose over and feel flat"
kman
I have noticed that sometimes if i am under mild acceleration that if i slowly let off a little bit then i can feel my engine kind of "nose over and feel flat"
kman
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Oklahoma
Valve springs
I try to avoid floating the valves as all kinds of bad things can happen; but yes, "going flat" is a decent description of the feeling. It can also be a sign of fuel delivery problems or ignition breakdown. Always replace the springs and lifters when replacing the cam.
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From: Oklahoma
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Junior User
Joined: May 2002
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Valve springs
I replaced the lifters but not the springs!
Please look at my other post "I think its time to buy a chevy"
Unless you already have?
Thanks
kman
Please look at my other post "I think its time to buy a chevy"
Unless you already have?
Thanks
kman
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
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Valve springs
You'll hear what sounds like a high sped miss along with a dull flat sounding backfire when the valves float. It's a good way to drop a valve, especially an exhaust valve. When the valves float, they slam down on the seat which can literally beat the heads off.
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Valve springs
An engine can digest a few small items, but not a valve head. That is pretty much instant catastrophic failure. It usually cracks the cylinder, but I have seen the block survive when the piston just shoved the valve head back up into the port sideways. On a good day, the cheapest you'll get away for will be a piston and a head.