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How long should valves last on well-maintained engine?; Just curious...
Topic Started: May 28 2013, 10:13 AM (1,486 Views)
cwatkin


I know that our cars are notorious for cooking the exhaust valves and was just curious how long they would last if we didn't keep getting our hands on a 20 year old car that was neglected. For example, if you had a car that was taken care with proper oil, proper timing, and attention to any small repairs, how long could one expect out of the original valves?

I hear some people say that valves let go at 100-150k no matter what while others indicate they last forever if the engine is cared for and doesn't burn oil. Although I have a used engine for my car that is nearing 100k, it appears that the previous owner(s) took some care of it. The PCV and EGR were nice and clean as was the inside of the motor. I am using the MWebb approved oils of the correct viscosity so I am sure that will help. I see NO OIL USAGE at all between changes and never need to add oil to this engine.

Also, are there any signs of valves about to let go besides the obvious such as sticky lifters/valves? My engine is running well and I have no signs of trouble but am just curious as this seems to be the weak link in these engines.

Also, what are the best valves to replace them with? I know Geo Glenn likes Osvat while others like the stainless 3Tech. What is the best?

Conor
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If you ever get your hands on a properly overhauled G10 engine and properly maintain it, chances are it would be in good condition over 200,000 miles later. There's an unmolested G10 engine with over 200,000 miles in a '95 in the driveway. It runs very well. It has always got the best of care. It uses 1 quart of oil every 2,000 miles. No need to overhaul it, yet.

The key to engine longevity is to change the oil on a regular mileage or time interval and use low ash, high detergent oil.

I install new intake and exhaust valves in the engines I overhaul. They are made by Osvat.

The OEM, and every aftermarket exhaust valve I have ever seen is stainless steel. The only difference is the diameter of the valve stem. Some of them are within a few ten thousands of an inch of the maximum diameter, others aren't even close to the minimum diameter. What the exhaust valves are made of is not the issue here.

Good oil, good fuel, and service intervals are important.

GG
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sarguy01
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Geo Glenn
May 28 2013, 12:27 PM
If you ever get your hands on a properly overhauled G10 engine and properly maintain it, chances are it would be in good condition over 200,000 miles later. There's an unmolested G10 engine with over 200,000 miles in a '95 in the driveway. It runs very well. It has always got the best of care. It uses 1 quart of oil every 2,000 miles. No need to overhaul it, yet.

The key to engine longevity is to change the oil on a regular mileage or time interval and use low ash, high detergent oil.

I install new intake and exhaust valves in the engines I overhaul. They are made by Osvat.

The OEM, and every aftermarket exhaust valve I have ever seen is stainless steel. The only difference is the diameter of the valve stem. Some of them are within a few ten thousands of an inch of the maximum diameter, others aren't even close to the minimum diameter. What the exhaust valves are made of is not the issue here.

Good oil, good fuel, and service intervals are important.

GG
What about the 4 cylinders? Do the valves in them last longer?

I am at 207,000 miles and am not using any oil, as I can tell from the dipstick. So far it has been 3,000 miles without any loss.
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Memphis metro


My first metro had over 180000 on a unmolested engine that was hardly ever maintanced before I rebuilt it. I just added oil when it got low and maybe once a year changed oil with supertech. That being said, good oil and regular oil changes are a good thing. Just expensive.
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sarguy01
May 28 2013, 01:30 PM
What about the 4 cylinders? Do the valves in them last longer?

I am at 207,000 miles and am not using any oil, as I can tell from the dipstick. So far it has been 3,000 miles without any loss.
My 1996 4 cylinder has 189,000 miles. It's still running well.

Big Rhino
May 28 2013, 01:38 PM
My first metro had over 180000 on a unmolested engine that was hardly ever maintanced before I rebuilt it. I just added oil when it got low and maybe once a year changed oil with supertech. That being said, good oil and regular oil changes are a good thing. Just expensive.
Why did you ever overhaul this engine? Was it not running well?

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Memphis metro


Started idling rough once past 180000. I would say 180000 thousand miles on a g10 engine is good. I do not recall exactly what the mileage was but I know it was over 180000 miles. Any engine will need overhauled sooner or later. No matter how often you change the oil.
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sarguy01
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Geo Glenn
May 28 2013, 01:57 PM
sarguy01
May 28 2013, 01:30 PM
What about the 4 cylinders? Do the valves in them last longer?

I am at 207,000 miles and am not using any oil, as I can tell from the dipstick. So far it has been 3,000 miles without any loss.
My 1996 4 cylinder has 189,000 miles. It's still running well.

Big Rhino
May 28 2013, 01:38 PM
My first metro had over 180000 on a unmolested engine that was hardly ever maintanced before I rebuilt it. I just added oil when it got low and maybe once a year changed oil with supertech. That being said, good oil and regular oil changes are a good thing. Just expensive.
Why did you ever overhaul this engine? Was it not running well?

I am going to do another compression check soon. I have 3,000 miles on this oil change, but I have a quart of MMO in there. I am curious to see if the compression has gone up.

Mine is running just fine for an engine with 207,000 miles. In fact, I am not touching the engine unless the compession drops too much. When I got the car, it had 100 psi on the lowest cylinder.
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sarguy01
May 28 2013, 02:08 PM
Mine is running just fine for an engine with 207,000 miles. In fact, I am not touching the engine unless the compession drops too much. When I got the car, it had 100 psi on the lowest cylinder.
:thumb

I wouldn't even worry about checking the compression at this point in time. If the engine is running well, and not using any oil, checking the compression is a waste of time in my opinion.

I recently wasted my time checking my compression on the 4 cylinder 96. 175 - 183, just like it was 70,000 miles ago.

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00Metro
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237K miles with regular oil changes and most was 70+ mph. Never been touched 3 cyl. engine :)
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PTA2PTB
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I'm totally awesome! I swear.

Posted Image
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Ah HA! After all these years, the deep, dark, Suzuki secret is revealed by PTA2PTB.

It's the valve licking engine owl to blame for exhaust valve failures.

:D
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JellyBeanDriver


Coming up on 440,000 miles, original engine and valves.
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