Valve Job

What a valve job is

The cylinder head valves let the air and fuel mixture into the combustion chamber and let exhaust out. The valve face has to seal perfectly to hold compression. Over thousands of miles, heat and deposits wear the valves and seats, even in cars that are driven gently.

Signs the valves may be worn

• Rough idle
• Misfires
• Loss of power
• Ticking from the top of the engine
• Blue smoke at start-up, which can mean worn stem seals

What the work involves

Carbon cleaning of the valves is sometimes an option. After that, the valve seats and everything else under the cylinder head are inspected. If valves are badly dented or severely pitted they must be replaced. Valve stem seals are replaced during a valve job, and valve guides often need to be replaced too. Worn valve guides and stem seals let oil into the combustion chamber.

When to have it checked

If your engine is losing compression or burning oil, or you simply want an expert opinion, bring it to any of our Long Beach or Bellflower shops.