Intake & Exhaust Valves

High performance valves are designed and machined with optimum flow and cylinder head sealing in mind. This allows improved airflow when the valve is open while decreasing leak-down when it is closed. The result is improved power and performance for your engine as more air and fuel can enter the cylinder while the improved combustion is unable to go anywhere but against the piston.

Performance valves are made with tougher materials such as stainless steel and titanium. These materials last a lot longer than OEM replacement valve materials (such as nichrome, nickel, silicon-chromium, and tungsten), promoting longer life in addition to greater strength.

The intake and exhaust valves act as doors to control the air and fuel mixture going into the engine combustion chambers as well as the exhaust gases that exit the cylinder after combustion happens. They do this by opening and closing at a certain distance, which is regulated by the camshaft lift / lobe height. The camshaft transfers its lobe movement to the lifters, which move the pushrods up into the underside of one end of the rocker arms. The rocker arms then pivot at the rocker arm stud downward on the other end, pushing the top of the valve stem down into the cylinder head, opening the intake and exhaust passageways. The valve springs then push the valves back up to ensure proper timing for closing as well as sealing. The valves are cut so that when closed, they fit against the cylinder head valve seat, creating an airtight seal.

One possibility that may allow you to clean exhaust valves without removing the heads is by removing the exhaust manifolds or headers. This will allow you to see the exhaust valves inside the cylinder head ports, depending on valve position, which can be changed by rotating the engine by hand. The intake valves can be seen and accessed by removing the intake manifold. With the valves exposed, you will have limited ability to clean them with an appropriate brush or chemicals to remove any build up. Great care has to be taken to not let any debris drop into the cylinder and onto the piston, which may cause damage if it gets wedged between the piston and cylinder wall. A vacuum or compressed air usually will help in cleaning out any debris within the combustion chamber. Chemical cleaners also have to be used carefully so as not to leak down the cylinder wall sides into the crankcase and contaminate oil or cause dirty sediment to pool on top of the piston. An inspection camera is helpful in allowing you to carefully check for any debris that could cause damage after cleaning auto exhaust valves.