How to check for bent valves

[Lucas03es]

When I bought this engine it was still in a car that would start up, but it was idling like crap, and the previous owner said that the valves are probably bent. So I have the motor pulled and the head off, and nothing seems to be too bad. How would I go about making sure that the valves are okay?

 

[Colt4G63 also]

You can fill the runners with water and see if the valves leak.

 

[MY1GDSM]

Or some Brake clean, after turning the cams to make sure the valve appear to be closed all the way...

I know it's a little late. But, should have done a leak down test first before tearing it apart. Or at least checked if it was in time first.

 

[KevinRR]

Take it to a machine shop and have them pressure check it.

 

[gofer]

We've always just pulled the cams out, so all the valves are closed, and bolted up the TB/IM and did a boost leak test.

 

[MY1GDSM]

What if you have no Intake valves bent? But have an exhaust valve bent?

 

[Lucas03es]

I just checked all the valves and I didn't get a single leak using carb cleaner Thanks guys!

 

[xxxspeedxxx]

i remember when my timing belt snapped, all of my valves where bent. u keen literally see the bent valves. the best thing you can do is to take it to a machine shop and have them pressure check it.

 

[gofer]

What if you have no Intake valves bent? But have an exhaust valve bent?

Oh yea, doing a ghetto BLT only covers half the valves. Filling the runners with brake cleaner or gasoline and seeing if it leaks will also work, as mentioned above. Its also possible the valve could leak from carbon build up keeping it from sealing in the CC, try cleaning up the carbon on them as well using oven cleaner.

 

[Colt4G63 also]

Water is cheaper than brake clean, gas, or carb cleaner; you can fill it to the top, and pour it out on the ground afterwards.

 

[gen2allday]

Just do it the right way and bring it to a machine shop. In CT i think they charge like 45 bucks to check. Better to be safe than sorry. I know I def. dont wana be stranded anywhere .