1999 Dodge Ram bent valve

JARED_0515

MEMBER
1999 DODGE RAM
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
173,000 MILES

I have a bent exhaust valve and before I replace it I would like to know what could have caused it. The timing chain didnt break.I've had problems with the cooling system in the past but its all fixed now. But in the months before the valve bent it did run hot alot. I was gonna just replace the bent one but I would like to find out the cause before putting it back together. Thanks for any advice.

7 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,938 POSTS

Hi there,

To bend a valve, there must be some form of physical interference, They just don't bend on the own, Is the dead off yet? Check the inlet valve for seal damage and for any sign of something bouncing around on the piston crown.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Saturday, January 12th, 2008 AT 9:34 PM

JARED_0515

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5 POSTS

Thanks for your response.I have the head off and the valve out. There is dings on the piston where the valve hit it. Im jus wondering if the engine running hot could have caused the failure. Im not where I can inspect it more right now.I just want to make sure I have the problem solved before I put it back togrther again.

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Saturday, January 12th, 2008 AT 10:01 PM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
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Hi there,

The only other thing that comes to mind is valve bounce, This can happen with over revving, or a weak or broken valve spring. This is a localised problem, one valve striking the piston. So something has caused the valve to stay open longer, Check the valve lift with a dial indicator, compare with another exhaust valve, check spring pressures, there will be something amiss there.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Saturday, January 12th, 2008 AT 10:20 PM

JARED_0515

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Thanks mhp! That is a lot of help.I figured it was something along those lines being only one bent. That helped me narrow it down a lot.I appreciate your time and help. I will try what you suggested and I may be back. One other question: is it wise to replace just the bent one if say for instance I have to change a weak spring?

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Saturday, January 12th, 2008 AT 10:36 PM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,938 POSTS

Hi there,

If you find a spring problem I would be replacing them all. Have the heads pressure tested that will prove the sealing ability of the other valves, repair as required.

Mark (mhpautos)