I have a feeling one or more of my valves are bent. I put in some CTR cams in my B16 (50k miles) about a month ago. Ran fine for a couple weeks, but all of a sudden started to die at stop lights and lost a little power. I did some tuning and got it a little better, but it still tries to die now and then. I initally though it was because i needed to upgrade my fuel system, but now that I have strong reassurance from a local speed shop that its probably a bent valve, I think my first thought was right...

So... for one, what do you guys think? Also, what do you recommend for a valvetrain for a B16? Eventually i'm going to put more agressive cams in her too, so I need something for the future. Thanks in advance.

PS> Any other way to test for bent valves besides leak-down test?

 

skunk2 valvetrain, crower, depending on what you want to go for. turbo or N/A

 

How's it sound? If it sounds more like a H-4 (what I like to call a lawnmower), then that's more evidence.

A compression test will tell you more. If any of the cylinders come up abnormally lower than the others, then you'll need to remove the head. Fill each port with carb cleaner to check for leak-through.

 

That's the best way without taking the head off.

 

Engine sounds normal... The other thing, of which I just became aware of, is when I had my cams installed, the moron didn't do a valve adjustment... Could that have either bent a valve, or could it have caused this rough/low idle? Maybe the rockers are too tight on the primary lobes?

 

I also just installed CTR cams in my B16a. Ran great a couple of weeks and now every so often she'll cut off at a stop light also. My mechanic DID check the valves but said he has to do another adjustment. I have stock valves with upgraded springs and retainers.

Why do you think you have a bent valve? From setting the cam timing improperly?

 

It's possible... possibly floated a valve since i dont have the upgraded valvetrain, maybe that did it... who knows.