"Sticky" is not a normal description for valve problems. Leaky or burnt are
two more likely descriptions, if the compression is low on that cylinder. A
"leakdown" test will show exactly what is wrong with the cylinder. If you
can get the exact compression readings, we can help you decide how bad the
problem is. Unless the engine shudders at idle, or really shakes under
acceleration, you are probably wasting money to tackle this one problem.
I'd advise just enjoying the car for as long as it is acceptable to you in
the way it performs, and than plan to do it right (complete rebuild). These
engines are very durable, and way overpowered - unless the car has done over
150,000 miles or so, I doubt there is any failure in the near future.
By the way, "Sticky" may have been a correct description if what you have is
an intermittent tapping noise, especially upon initial startup. What is
sticking, in that case, is the relief flapper in one or more of the valve
lifters. Someone may shorten that to "Sticky valve", but such a problem
would not affect the engine's compression readings.
Before someone writes into say that valves can indeed "stick", yes, I'm
aware that a valve stem can be fit too tightly, or have a buildup of crud
which makes it "stick" open, but this is VERY rare on a 413, and would soon
result in a burnt valve anyway.
Dick Benjamin
----- Original Message -----
From: <Imperial59crown@xxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2003 7:23 PM
Subject: IML: '59 valve job
Kenyon answered:
> You didn't mention why the valve job was needed, and I'll assume that you
have your reasons. If you're not sure, one thing that you can do is a
compression test. <
The reason that I believe I need a valve job is because my mechanic told me
when I first got the car running again that there was a sticky valve, and
compression was low in one of the cylinders. I would prefer not to do a
valve
job, and it sounds like a task which would be much more than my limited
space
and time would allow me to perform. I would prefer to just go in and unstick
the sticky valve if that's possible. My mechanic has also told me I would
need a valve job at some point, but with an estimate of $1,000.00, that
point
will be quite a way in the future.
Bill '59 Crown
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