How to check for bent valves.

JBirch_97Prelude · 11-19-2008, 04:38 PM

I have decided to take my car out of the shop where it's been for weeks without progress. I was originally told that I had bent valves so I am wondering how to check which valves are bent so I can have them replaced. The new head was put on and I was told that compression was to low and that they needed to do a leak down test. I thought the only way to check compression was with a leak down test. Anyway if there is low compression what good would a leak down test do.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

ethereal2pt2 · 11-19-2008, 04:55 PM

well how low is low? if you have bent valves, that cylinder shouldnt' be able to hold very much pressure if at all. that and the engine would run like **** and you would KNOW. my guess is that you don't but w/o more info can't say for sure.

JBirch_97Prelude · 11-19-2008, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ethereal2pt2

well how low is low?

Low hundreds! How could compression be checked without a leak down test!

jay24k · 11-19-2008, 06:49 PM

Why not just do your own compression test? You can tell which ones are having issue that way.

ethereal2pt2 · 11-19-2008, 08:55 PM

personally i've experienced bent valves and let me tell you even an, excuse me, retard would know that he had bent valves. your engine would run very very rough especially at idle. if you're pondering this, most likely you don't have bent valves. but a leak down test would help to indicate where your engine is at in terms of health. just got to autozone and borrow their kit. do it yourself.

95greenlude · 11-19-2008, 09:05 PM

^your car wont necessarily run bad if you have bent valves. If their slightly bent, there's a good chance you wont even notice.

A compression test will tell you if your motor is in good health and holds compression in the combustion chamber.

A leak down test will tell you WHAT is not healthy in your engine, and where compression isn't being held

dagle · 11-20-2008, 01:05 AM

well OP did specify that he got compression test results of low 100's.. which indicates that something is definately wrong.. if it isn't the head, it sounds to me like your block is the problem. however, as mentioned we cannot tell you over the interweb with the information given. get back to us with the info we're looking for and we can help you out.

JBirch_97Prelude · 11-20-2008, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagle

well OP did specify that he got compression test results of low 100's.. which indicates that something is definately wrong.. if it isn't the head, it sounds to me like your block is the problem. however, as mentioned we cannot tell you over the interweb with the information given. get back to us with the info we're looking for and we can help you out.

That's the thing, I don't know what info i'm getting back is true or not so I am thinking about taking it out of the shop and working on it myself!

Acidcrakker · 11-20-2008, 04:36 AM

I remember your post from a while back. Its a shame that no one has even done anything to fix it yet, that was a while ago.

Im not that far away from where you are, and I do make local calls when someone needs a hand with stuff. I can come over there, take your head off and take it to a machine shop that can competently install new valves for you.

JBirch_97Prelude · 11-20-2008, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acidcrakker

I remember your post from a while back. Its a shame that no one has even done anything to fix it yet, that was a while ago.

Im not that far away from where you are, and I do make local calls when someone needs a hand with stuff. I can come over there, take your head off and take it to a machine shop that can competently install new valves for you.

The head is off! I am picking it up today but I don't think they are all bent! Unless you suggest I replace them all. When do you think you can come by, I will pay you for your time!

Acidcrakker · 11-20-2008, 08:09 AM

Well if the head is off. Than checking each cylinders valve is going to be a bit of a hassel, I can pick the head up have it inspected for damages other than bent valves, have it fixed, then reinstall the freshly revalved head for you. And you should be good to go.

I can come out Saturday some time.

Send me a PM so we can iron out the details.

11-19-2008, 04:38 PM	#1
JBirch_97Prelude Honda-Tech Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Mechanicsburg, PA, Cumberland Posts: 684 iTrader Rating: (0)	How to check for bent valves. I have decided to take my car out of the shop where it's been for weeks without progress. I was originally told that I had bent valves so I am wondering how to check which valves are bent so I can have them replaced. The new head was put on and I was told that compression was to low and that they needed to do a leak down test. I thought the only way to check compression was with a leak down test. Anyway if there is low compression what good would a leak down test do. Any help would be greatly appreciated! __________________ 1997 Honda Prelude 2009 Honda Fit Sport

11-19-2008, 09:05 PM	#6
95greenlude Honda-Tech Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 2,910 iTrader Rating: (0)	^your car wont necessarily run bad if you have bent valves. If their slightly bent, there's a good chance you wont even notice. A compression test will tell you if your motor is in good health and holds compression in the combustion chamber. A leak down test will tell you WHAT is not healthy in your engine, and where compression isn't being held __________________ Jared -'99 Jeep Cherokee Sport SOLD - 95 Prelude SE

11-20-2008, 01:05 AM	#7
dagle Honda-Tech Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco, CA, US Posts: 5,018 iTrader Rating: (1)	well OP did specify that he got compression test results of low 100's.. which indicates that something is definately wrong.. if it isn't the head, it sounds to me like your block is the problem. however, as mentioned we cannot tell you over the interweb with the information given. get back to us with the info we're looking for and we can help you out. __________________ To Mislead and Misinform...

11-20-2008, 04:36 AM	#9
Acidcrakker Honda-Tech Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 3,753 iTrader Rating: (0)	I remember your post from a while back. Its a shame that no one has even done anything to fix it yet, that was a while ago. Im not that far away from where you are, and I do make local calls when someone needs a hand with stuff. I can come over there, take your head off and take it to a machine shop that can competently install new valves for you. __________________ Jim- 13.9 @ 103 mph Don't crimp bitch

11-20-2008, 08:09 AM	#11
Acidcrakker Honda-Tech Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 3,753 iTrader Rating: (0)	Well if the head is off. Than checking each cylinders valve is going to be a bit of a hassel, I can pick the head up have it inspected for damages other than bent valves, have it fixed, then reinstall the freshly revalved head for you. And you should be good to go. I can come out Saturday some time. Send me a PM so we can iron out the details. __________________ Jim- 13.9 @ 103 mph Don't crimp bitch

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11-19-2008, 06:49 PM	#4
jay24k Honda-Tech Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Fruitland Park, FL, USA Posts: 166 iTrader Rating: (0)	Why not just do your own compression test? You can tell which ones are having issue that way.

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How to check for bent valves.