Is a broken Valve Spring blatantly obvious?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: Orlando Area FL
Is a broken Valve Spring blatantly obvious?
Is a broken Valve Spring blatantly obvious? I have been running around trouble shooting a misfire. It is not bad, it actually is hardly noticeable, but it bothers me. I have replaced all wires and plugs (Taylor Thundervolt wires, NGK TR-6 plugs). I have removed the valve covers twice to check for a broken spring. First time was a quick look, second time I thought I might have missed it the first time, so I shook all springs and rockers, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. I took it to a local vette shop, but after a short conversation with him I quickly lost confidence in his knowledge. He started talking about my cats being deleted and rear O2's. Anyways back to the issue car is as follows:
2004 Z
33k miles
P1SC (9 lbs)
Kenne Belle BAP
60 lb injectors (Motron I think)
Monster stage 4 clutch and lightweight flywheel
Bassani headers and exhaust with hollowed cats
...I think that is it (other than those listed above, it's stock)
2004 Z
33k miles
P1SC (9 lbs)
Kenne Belle BAP
60 lb injectors (Motron I think)
Monster stage 4 clutch and lightweight flywheel
Bassani headers and exhaust with hollowed cats
...I think that is it (other than those listed above, it's stock)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,955
Likes: 161
From: PNW
If a valve spring breaks you should be able to see a broken coil pretty easily with a good visual inspection.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Dunkirk Maryland
St. Jude Donor '11
He may be talking about worn springs to a point where it no longer holds up to the task but has not reached a point of breaking. If this is his question I would like to know if you can test them while still on the car. otherwise due to downtime I will be looking for a set of springs good till .600 lift
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,955
Likes: 161
From: PNW
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 482
Likes: 80
From: Florida, Tampa Bay
If you have aftermarket dual springs and the stiffer spring breaks, the other spring will run ok until higher RPMs. Had some crappy *** Rev springs that did this to me and would run good up till about 3800 rpms and then start floating the valve.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
From: N.J.
Thanks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: Orlando Area FL
Yes that was my question, just if you can see a broken spring, but now you bring up the question of a weak spring...I would like to know how I could check that?? That could help me out. I have gotten some codes and unfortunately I cannot remember them right now, I know sorry not alot of help on that, but I do remember looking them up when I got em and they weren't what I thought to be relevant codes for my problem.. Thanks
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 371
Likes: 1
From: Windsor Ontario
Dont know if it was mentioned, did u check for a bent pushrod? My buddy thought he had a missfire or dead injector on his camaro when he first got it and ended up having a bent and i think a broken pushrod.
Just a thought, i know u pulled the springs but maybe u didnt check the pushrods
Jay
Just a thought, i know u pulled the springs but maybe u didnt check the pushrods
Jay
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
You need to give a little more info. 1st when do you feel or hear the misfire? Does it ever go away? Does it get worse in any condition? When did it start? What did you do just prior to it starting IE mods or racing? IMHO if you have a broken spring you will definitely know it it will be worse than a misfire feeling. Get a mechanics stethoscope and listen to the valve covers for valve noise.Post your codes too.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,955
Likes: 161
From: PNW
Do you have stock springs or aftermarket? Single spring or dual springs setup?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 12,391
Likes: 2,910
From: Fort Worth, Texas
I agree and assume he's running the stock springs which are going to be getting more of a work out with the blower. I'd recommend replacing them with a dual spring just for extra insurance to prevent a valve floating/dropping and kissing a piston causing extensive damage.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
