Factors to consider in valve spring design and specification
Date Posted:30 June 2023
Whether you want to protect your vehicle’s engine or avoid sudden damage, valve spring plays an important role in ensuring both aspects.
Not only does it help prevent problems in your car engine but it can also help to keep your engine running smoothly.
If your vehicle started giving you unnecessary troubles, then there are higher chances that its valve spring needs replacement.
It is often observed that improper selection of springs is the common cause of engine failure. Though there could be multiple reasons, some of them include improper installation, wrong decision-making, improper handling, and more.
In this post, we’ll discuss;
- Types of Valve Springs
- Materials Used in Valve Springs
- Considerations while choosing Valve Springs
Types Of Valve Springs
Here are the different types of valve springs that you should know about.
1. Beehive Valve Spring
This kind of valve spring offers advanced engineering and comes with smaller diameter coils that help to enhance spring performance under higher RPM situations. Unlike other kinds of springs, it can easily control float better, making it an effective option to consider.
2. Dual Springs
When it comes to safety, such springs add a layer of protection to keep the valve closed in the event of failure. For engines with heavy valvetrains, considering Barra valve springs is an ideal choice.
3. Cylindrical Springs
These kinds of springs are often regarded as one of the economical ways to keep your valvetrain in the right condition. If you want high mileage reliability without spending much, then considering a cylindrical spring is an ideal option.
4. Conical Springs
These springs have a smaller upper half which ensures it has a greater level of natural frequency. Like beehive springs, it allows for more lift before the coil bind.
Knowing the Material Used in Valve Springs
Coming to the material of valve springs, these springs are generally made by coiling of wire and are subject to hardening, shaving, tempering, and cold drawing. If you have any valve springs being used in an extensive corrosive atmosphere, then you can rest assured that they are made of stainless steel grade.
Some of the common materials being used in the construction of valve springs are as follows:
- Stainless Steel
- Titanium
- Hard drawn High Carbon Steel
- Chrome Silicon
- Monel
- Copper or Nick-Based Alloys
- Chrome Vanadium
Factors to Consider While Choosing the Right Valve Spring
Listed below are the factors to consider when choosing the right valve spring.
- 1. There are multiple valves available. Choose either a single or dual-design valve. A single spring supports only the valve and its movement whereas the latter is made up of two springs.
- 2. When you’re choosing the right valve, always consider the spring pressure. Ensure you choose the spring pressure at the seat and the maximum lift to cater to your engine requirements.
- 3. Lastly, you will need to check where your spring resides on the cylinder. Ensure it is properly located.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! If you want to ensure your vehicle must run smoothly, then considering the right valve spring is extremely important.