Engine valves ae designed to recede int the valve seat with everyday wear, and valve lash gaps need tobe adjusted regulary to maintain an effective combustion sea inthe cinders. The rate of recession varies with operating conditions, fuel qualty and otho factors. Measuroment of val stem projection i essential to trend analysis. a vow see x a J (at Figure 5: Valve Stem Projection Measure Valve stom projection indicates the amount of wear that has taken place between the valve faces and vale inserts The initial valve stom projection should be measured ater the frst 1,000 hours on a new ender head — the normal “beatin” period in which the valve becomes seated on ‘the ingot. Ths establishes a wear basoline. After that, measurements should be taken at sparkplug s trending wear, valve stem projection measurement can indicate impending engine trouble, Valve stem projection normally willinerease asthe valve wears inta the valve seat overtime. loss of stem projection signals a buildup ‘on the valve face that could hold the valve open and cause valve burning. For example, prolonged ligh-oad operation incteases oil consumption and may lead to valve coking Figure 6: New Valve Recession Measurement Too! for Cat G35QOC/E Engines Buildup on the valve face also changes valve lash ard therefore vali timing, in turn affecting airflow and the arfuel ratio in ‘the cylinder. An incorrect valve open/close soquonce may cause loss of comoression, a richer fuel mixture leading ta detonation, or excessive inert exhaust gases in the cylinder at ignition, reducing power ostout Figure 7: Valve Lash Adjustment Engine manufacturers set specifications for maximum allowable valve stem projection. Measurements mu ‘akon consistantly and accuataly, Ideally the samo person should always measure projection on a given engine, using the same tol and method. Projection is typicaly measured in millimeters, and different measuring dovices and techniques can meaningfully skew the tend data