The valve guide is a crucial component in the cylinder head of your car. It acts as a seal between the cylinder head and the intake and exhaust valves. This component also ensures smooth movement of the valve stem. Due to the constant up-and-down movement, the guide is subject to wear and tear. This wear results in play between the guide and the valve stem, compromising the sealing function and potentially leading to engine oil leakage into the combustion chamber.
Valve Guide Play
Play in the valve guide is a result of wear and tear. The valve stems of the intake and exhaust valves continuously move through the guide. Despite the component's robust design, wear is inevitable. This wear manifests as play, which can lead to engine oil leaking into the combustion chamber. This is often identifiable by blue smoke from the exhaust. If you suspect wear in your valve guide, replace it as soon as possible to prevent further engine damage.
A worn valve guide can lead to several issues, including:
- Worn rocker arms;
- Increased oil consumption;
- Burnt valve seals;
- Broken valves.
Replacing the Valve Guide
The valve guide should be replaced when the play becomes excessive. The permissible play around the intake valves is between 0.01 and 0.07 millimetres. For exhaust valves, the allowed play ranges from 0.25 to 0.85 millimetres, depending on the valve diameter. You can measure this play using a dial gauge. Play in the guide can lead to defects in the intake valve, exhaust valve, and rocker arms. To minimise wear and the need for component replacement, it's advisable to replace the valve guide promptly. Replacing the guide is a complex repair. As the valve guide is pressed into the cylinder head, a garage will have the necessary tools to remove it. This also ensures the guide won't require replacing again anytime soon.
You can save on material costs by ordering the valve guide from Winparts and supplying it to the mechanic yourself.
Buying a Valve Guide
You can purchase a valve guide for your car quickly and affordably at Winparts. We offer a wide selection from various top brands. Enter your registration number or car details on our website, and we'll show you the matching car parts. In addition to guides, we also offer valve stem seals, hydraulic valve lifters, valve shims, cylinder head gaskets, and intake manifolds.