Automotive

Exhaust Valve – Problems, Types and Solutions

In internal combustion engines, there are different types of valves. One of these valves is the exhaust valve. Here you can find the most detailed information about the exhaust valve systems in internal combustion engines.

What is an Exhaust Valve?

Exhaust Valve
Image Source: Enginelabs.

As you understand from its name, the exhaust valve is the valve that the exhaust gases expelled from the cylinder. You know that the air-fuel mixture comes inside the engine cylinder through the intake valve. And after the combustion takes place and power is generated, the exhaust gases are expelled through the exhaust valve on the cylinder.

So, it has a very important duty. And it is controlled by the movement of the camshaft. It has a very basic shape that is connected to the cam rod and camshaft.

Types of Exhaust Valve

There are different types of exhaust valve applications are available. According to the engine type and the working principle of the engines, these different types are used.

  • Poppet valve: One of the most common types of the valve in internal combustion engines. It is a spring-loaded valve that is operated by the camshaft system.
  • Rotary valve: Instead of an even structure, there is a disc that rotates to control the flowing gases from the engine cylinder. In general, these types of applications are used in two-stroke engines.
  • Reeds valve: There are thin reed petals that control the flow of the gases. They are very basic in structure that you can use them in different kinds of two-stroke applications.
  • Sleeve systems: In aviation engines, the use o sleeve valve systems is very common. It has a sleeve system that controls the flow of gases.
  • Finger valve: There is a spring-loaded finger that presses on the rotating disc to control the flow of the gases in general. Their use is generally common in high-performance engines.
  • EGR systems: EGR systems are special valves that recirculate the exhaust gases once through the engine cylinders to increase efficiency and decrease the exhaust gases.

In general, passenger cars have poppet valves.

General Problems Occur with Exhaust Valves

There can be different problems with exhaust valves in general. You may have one of these problems also.

  • Wear: This is the most common problem that occurs in exhaust valves. The wear can take place after a duration. This is because they are very moving systems.
  • Valve seat erosion: Also the wear does not only take place on the valve structure. The seat that the valve sits on can be eroded. And this can cause such problems in general.
  • Spring failure: You know that valve systems have springs that make these systems turn their original position. And if there is a problem with the valve springs, you will have problems in general.
  • Valve sticking: Debris and faith can cause valve sticking. If the valve system sticks, it will cause problematic issues in general.
  • Burnt valves: Also, the vaşve application is directly subject to very high temperatures. This can cause burns and other harmful things to valve applications. And if the temperatures exceed the temperature range of the valves, you will have problems.
  • Damages: Also damages can take place on the valve structure because of external objects. This can be a problematic issue if you have this problem.

Symptoms of Bad Exhaust Valve

Also, you can feel and experience these problems with your valves. If you have these problems, you need to check the valves.

  • Noises: You can hear strange noises coming from your valves. These noises are generally ticking and popping noises.
  • Blue smoke: The cause of the blue some coming from the tailpipe is because of the unburnt fuel. So, if you have a problem with the exhaust valve, the fuel will not be burnt and the blue smoke may come.
  • Engine performance loss: Also, you will experience engine performance loss if there is a problem with the exhaust valve system that you have. Because combustion is not taking place as intended.

Solutions

There are different solutions that you can take. The solutions are generally very basic. Because valve applications are very basic systems, you can apply very basic solutions.

  • Replacement: In most cases, the replacement of the exhaust valves is the most common solution.
  • Cleaning: If your problems arise from debris and filth, cleaning will be the solution to your problem. There are special cleaning agents that you add to your fuel to clean the carbon build up.

Replacement Costs

It is very hard to say the exact price for the replacement costs. Because different kinds of parameters affect the replacement costs. The model and the brand of the vehicle is a very important parameters.

And also, valve replacement is not an easy thing. It requires a good amount of expertise. So, the replacement costs may vary around $300-$500 per valve.

Replacement Tips for Exhaust Valve

Replacement of the exhaust valve applications is not an easy thing. You need to have a good knowledge of car mechanics. But if you trust yourself about this issue, we can give you some tips about it.

  • First of all, you need to disconnect the battery. Because you need to eliminate any damage and electrical shocks.
  • Access to the valve: Accessing the valve is not an easy thing. This is the hardest part. You need to remove the cylinder head. You need to remove the intake manifold, exhaust manifold, valve cover, rocker arms, and pushrods. After that, you can access the valve.
  • Remove the damaged valve: You need to remove the valve spring first. And then, remove the valve keeper and the valve itself.
  • Install the new valve: Install the new valve.
  • Install the cylinder head: After that, you need to install the cylinder head.

But we need to state that, you will need special tools to deal with them. So, it is not easy for you. We recommend that you need to bring your car to a mechanic or service.

Conclusion

These are the general things that we can consider about the exhaust valve. You know the all general things about exhaust valve applications in general. And it will be very easy for you to deal with the problem.

If you have additional comments and questions about this topic, please leave them below.

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Uğur Uygun

Hello everyone, I am Uğur. I am a mechanical engineer who has experience in different R&D departments of HVAC companies. With my best friend, I decided to build this website to share out knowledge and experience. And also, I am interested in automotive. So, I am writing about automotive and automotive-related articles here. Sharing my knowledge and experiences on these topics is a very big pleasure for me. I am willing to answer all of the questions people have about these topics.

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