valves : Danny's Engineportal

Interference Or Non-Interference Engines, Timing Is Everything

Interference vs. Non-Interference Engines: What You Need to Know

03/07/2026

The Hidden Danger: Interference vs. Non-Interference Engines So, every driver should understand their car’s engine design. It can mean the difference between a small bill and a total loss. This guide explains why engine timing […]

Valve Lash Setting – Top End Ticking Noise, Usually The First Sign

Valve Lash Setting For Quiet Engine Performance

01/08/2026

Valve lash setting, is something most drivers don’t even think about. First, you need to know if you even have an adjustable valve train for valve lash setting. In most cases, you will not have […]

Engine Compression – What Can Cause, Low Or No Compression

12/28/2025

So, engine compression is the pressure created, inside each of the engine’s cylinders. And, low or no compression leads to, incomplete combustion and misfires. Symptoms of low engine compression can be, an illuminated (CEL) and […]

Sticking Valves Because Of Carbon Deposits And Rich Fuel Mixture

12/12/2025

The first sign of sticking valves is usually, engine misfires or running rough when cold. However, sticking valves can also be, the byproduct of cold weather operation. In this case, the sticking valves will often […]

How To Do A Cylinder Leak Down Test – With Or Without A Tester

12/02/2025

Doing a cylinder leak down test, can tell you more about your engine than you think. Also, it can spot issues in specific areas, that other tests will not. So, a cylinder leak down test, […]

Valve Guide Wear – How to Identify and Reduce Oil Consumption

10/25/2025

Valve guide wear, refers to excessive clearance, between valve stem and guide. As the guide wears, the side to side movement, can cause valves to seat improperly. As a result, requiring you to need a […]

Timing Belt Basics – Avoid the Unexpected Cost of Engine Damage

10/14/2025

A timing belt is one of those things that’s critical to replace; according to the auto manufacturer’s schedule. Timing belt replacement is most often between every 75,000 and 100,000 miles. So, check your owner’s manual […]

Pushrods On G.M. 3.1-3.4 Engines – This Is Where Length Matters

09/26/2025

Exhaust and Intake Pushrods, on G.M. 3.1 and 3.4 engines are different lengths. So, quite often we still see bent push rods and valves, when they are mixed up. Consequently, Exhaust pushrods on G.M. 3.1 […]

Low Compression Causing Misfires – Is It A Mechanical Malfunction

07/25/2025

First, low compression can be caused by a number of different issues, resulting in a misfire. So, let’s say you have ruled out ignition and fuel delivery, as the cause of the misfire. Then, that […]

Engine Timing Belt – Sets The Mechanical Heartbeat Of The Engine

04/14/2025

Neglecting your engine timing belt, could destroy your engine from the inside out. So, the timing belt, is a very simple part, but it can also be a ticking time bomb. Depending on the year, […]