harkins (05/11/83)
Relay-Version:version B 3/9/83; site harpo.UUCP Message-ID:<2062@cires.UUCP> Date:Wed, 11-May-83 09:13:43 EDT Ralph, you might try to check your valve clearances more regularly; you don't say whether these valve failures were in hot weather, but you should realize that freeway speeds in a sprite are pushing it and that heat buildup quickly changes the exhaust valve clearances much faster than the intakes, SO... when they get too tight, the valve is held open a bit, allowing the very hot gases to leak through almost constantly and PRESTO! burnt valve. I once worked on an old 6 cyl chev that had had all 6 valves adjusted wrong, and he managed to burn up all 6 exh valves in 2,000 miles. Air cooled vw's are especially prone to this, and those of us in really hot climates learn to double the exhaust valve clearance specified, and re-adjust about once every 1-2 months. Those of us who were weaned on American iron, with hydraulic lifters, have to learn new habits to live with these little solid lifter units... ernie harkins