Exhaust valves

[CatmanV2]

To drag this from my other thread, I unpacked my valved boxes last night. They appear in very good condition, but it also seems that the PO had them on a 4.2 with no control. I reckon the valves are stuck open (hey, could be worse, they could be shut!)

So the vacuum actuators move fine when I de-couple them from the arm, but I can't get the arm to move at all. So far I have tried fingers, spanners, pliers, hammers and screwdrivers.
I assume they should actually move with finger / hand pressure?

Currently I've sprayed them with WD40, but I have no idea if that can actually reach the pivots.

I was going to put some oil down the pipes, but thinking on the valves are open, so it's not going to do much (though still happy to try)

and then break out a torch and some clamps at the weekend.

Any other thoughts? I figure, worst case, I'll get them out and and replaced with (probably) electric ones.

C

 

[Felonious Crud]

Finger pressure should do it, C. You should find them firm, but gently yielding.

 

[CatmanV2]

Finger pressure should do it, C. You should find them firm, but gently yielding.

We're still talking about valves, yes?

C

 

[Felonious Crud]

Gah! Sorry. I thought I was chatting to Dem. I meant to add you should mind out for exhaust emissions.

 

[bigbob]

LOL. In situ I move them with one of those Roundhead screwdrivers that take a bit. They go up easily enough that way. They do need spraying with WD40 in the winter mind.

 

[CatmanV2]

LOL. In situ I move them with one of those Roundhead screwdrivers that take a bit. They go up easily enough that way. They do need spraying with WD40 in the winter mind.

Thanks. I think I may have to get rather more forceful

C

 

[Ryandoc]

You can definitely push them by hand, I've had my vacuum solenoid replaced this week after all my woes recently, car was dropped off last night.

 

[Ryandoc]

Even when car is running you can still push them

 

[CatmanV2]

Even when car is running you can still push them

Thought so. Did you just get the solenoid done?

C

 

[Ryandoc]

And a few other things let me see if I can get the invoice posted up

 

[CatmanV2]

And a few other things let me see if I can get the invoice posted up

No panic. I just had it in my mind that you were looking at a4 figure bill because your valves were stuck

C

 

[Felonious Crud]

Mine was about sixty quid I think, C. Including labour.

 

[Ryandoc]

No lol was £38 ish for the solenoid valve then some labour on top. I got a few other little jobs done as well, replace vac hide etc

 

[CatmanV2]

More reasonable

C

 

[CatmanV2]

Right. One's totally fine, the other one should be OK with a little more work.
Will get some proper penetrating oil as it's still a bit stiff and can stick at either extreme. Not that the actuator will be able to get it stuck, if you see what I mean.

C

 

[allandwf]

Get some Kroil if you can. Best thing by far I have come across, use it at work.

 

[CatmanV2]

Get some Kroil if you can. Best thing by far I have come across, use it at work.

Thanks. Looks unlikely, though

C

 

[CatmanV2]

All sorted. WD40 and heat.

Just for future reference, these should be completly repairable. The vacuum actuator appears to be a standard part. In the very worst case, the section with the mechanical valve in could just be cut out (along the welds!) and replaced with any aftermarket device.

Clearly it's *way* easier out of the car.

For owners, both ends of the valve shaft (ie the pivot points) are exposed to the elements (stunning design). I'm feeling that I might well pack mine with some high temp / Lithium grease to try and limit further water ingress.

C

 

[voicey]

As you found out, they should be easily movable by hand. The parts are generic and can be cut out and replaced by a decent fabricator. Before you fit them - check they aren't rattling as it'd be disappointing to fit them to find out...

 

[Contigo]

As you found out, they should be easily movable by hand. The parts are generic and can be cut out and replaced by a decent fabricator. Before you fit them - check they aren't rattling as it'd be disappointing to fit them to find out...

Just get Benny to talk into them and that should create enough hot air and pressure to check for any rattles.