The Important Functions of Car Valves, Components, and How They Work
The function of car valves plays a significant role in the performance of the engine system in a car. Valves that function properly can maximize engine performance. Within the car itself, there are several valve components that have their own functions.
Therefore, car owners should know what the valve components in a car are, along with their functions and how they work. For a complete discussion, let's take a look at the following review.
Important Functions of Car Valves
Car valves are an important component of a car that has various important functions for the successful performance of the engine. The complete functions are as follows.
1. Regulating the timing of when the flow of fuel and air enters or exits
The main function of car valves is to regulate the opening of the valves according to the fuel and mixture entering the engine's combustion chamber. Next, the intake channel will open so that the air mixture can enter the inside of the engine during the suction process. Then, the exhaust channel will open when the engine is expelling gas from the combustion residue.
2. Preventing leaks during high compression strokes
Car valves also have the function of preventing the risk of leaks when the engine compression is high.
Components of Car Valves
In a car, there are quite a few valve components. However, these components are divided into two groups based on the valve mechanism. The detailed explanation is as follows.
1. OHV (Overhead Valve) Components
In the OHV valve mechanism, the OHV valves are located on the camshaft and attached to the cylinder block. Thus, the rotation process of this component depends on the following components.
- Camshaft sprocket gear
- Crankshaft sprocket gear
- Camshaft
- Timing belt
- Timing chain
- Push rod
- Rocker Arm
- Valve
- Valve lifter
- Valve spring
2. OHC (Overhead Camshaft) Components
In the OHC valve mechanism, the camshaft is not located inside the cylinder block. Instead, the camshaft is located in the cylinder head, so the camshaft does not require assistance from other components (push rod) to directly contact the rocker arm. The OHC components are as follows.
- Camshaft
- Rocker arm
- Tensioner
- Timing chain
- Timing belt
- Timing chain guide
- Sprocket gear
- Valve and spring
Read Also : How to Properly Adjust Car Valves, Follow the Steps Here!
How Car Valves Work
The way car valves work can be said to be very complex. Why is that? Because the operation of the valves heavily depends on the cylinder piston. When the suction stroke occurs, the piston will move from the top dead center (TDC) to the bottom dead center (BDC). When this process occurs, the intake valve will open. Next, the intake valve will draw in fuel and air mixture and channel it to the combustion chamber.
Conversely, when the engine compression process occurs, the piston will move from the bottom dead center (BDC) to the top dead center (TDC). In this process, the piston will facilitate the engine combustion process and the intake valve will close.
Given the crucial function of valves in the engine combustion process, you should always pay attention to the condition of this component. Because problematic valves can cause significant oil loss, decreased compression pressure, and reduced engine performance.
If your car valves are problematic, visit the nearest Daihatsu workshop immediately for valve servicing. Because valve adjustment cannot be done carelessly. Valve adjustment and servicing must be performed by a competent mechanic.
