Find Out the Function and How the Valve Works
28 June, 2023
A car works by utilizing fuel as the main energy source. There are many components that work during the combustion process, one of which is the valve. This component functions to regulate the components of the fuel and air mixture in the cylinder.
What Is The Valve?
The valve is a component that functions as a regulator of the flow of circulating air as exhaust gas in the fuel area. Without control of the valve, the quality of combustion in the vehicle cannot occur. Even if this valve is damaged or bent, it will affect the combination of air and fuel in the combustion chamber. This problem will result in damage to various other components.
Type of Valves
Types of valves can be distinguished based on the valve mechanism. The valve mechanism is how the valve opens and closes, with the following types:
1. Over Head Valve
The overhead valve type is a relatively simple type of valve. Although simple, high reliability is optimal. This makes the placement of the camshaft more optimal because it is assisted by several components:
- Rocker arms
- push rods
- Filter valves
2. Over Double Head Camshaft
This type has two camshafts in the cylinder head. The first cylinder head is used to drive the intake valve. And the second is in charge of moving the exhaust valve.
This mechanism does not require a rocker arm. If you use this type, there are several benefits that can be obtained, including:
- Moving will become less
- If the car is traveling at high speed, its performance is quite good. This is due to the valves working more precisely
However, this type also has weaknesses. These are some of the weaknesses of the over double head camshaft type:
- Has a more complicated construction
- The price is quite expensive because of the high production costs
3. Overhead Camshafts
The camshaft is a part of the cylinder head. The way it works is to move the rocker arm directly without going through the pushrod and lifter. This makes it much simpler from a performance standpoint.
The weakness of this type is only in complexity when compared to the first type. There are several types of advantages, including:
- The valves work stably opening and closing. This makes it usable to go at high speeds
- Even though it is more complicated, the load on moving parts will be reduced
Valves can also be distinguished by several types. There are intake and exhaust valves. The intake valve functions as a regulator of the air and fuel mixture. This air and fuel enter the fuel chamber. While the exhaust acts as a regulator of exhaust gasses and combustion residue. The rest of this combustion moves when it leaves the engine. Both types are distinguished by their diameter. The size of the intake valve is larger in diameter than exhaust.
The Function of Valve on Car Engines
The valve has two main functions, namely as:
1. Combustion Room Separator Door and Outside Air
The valve is useful as a separator between the combustion chamber and outside air. The separator is useful because of the process of entering material from the intake into the combustion chamber. This applies to engines with 4 stroke types.
You can find an example of a valve function like this in the modern Wuling Alvez SUV, which has an engine capacity of 1,500cc. This car with the DVVT, DOHC inline-4 cylinder engine type has a capable engine performance with a 105 horsepower driving motor.
Meanwhile for the 2-stroke type, the combustion first fills the crankshaft before going to the combustion chamber. This mechanism makes it unnecessary for a valve, because it only uses the piston wall.
In the 4 stroke type engine, there is a very tight cylinder wall so there is no intake channel. As a result, the main function of the 4 stroke engine is as a door separating the air and the combustion chamber.
2. Material circulation and Residual Gas
In addition, the valve also functions to enter the combustion material. Combustion material is a mixture of fuel and air mixture. The material is already available in the intake manifold.
The valve is also responsible for removing the remaining gas. The remaining combustion gasses are expelled from the combustion chamber to the exhaust manifold. On a 4 stroke engine, this function requires a minimum of 2 valves. The valve in is useful for entering combustion material. Meanwhile, the valve out is to release the rest of the exhaust gas to the exhaust manifold.
How the Valves Work on Cars
The valve works starting from the piston doing the suction step. When the stroke begins, the intake valve will open. This opening causes the air and fuel mixture to flow into the combustion chamber.
The valve will close when the piston compresses. Automatic combustion will occur after that, the exhaust will open. The goal is that the remaining combustion gases can be wasted through the exhaust.
How To Take Care of The Valve
You can make adjustments according to the maintenance standards for the valves. You can find out the standard valve clearance settings in the vehicle manual and how to set the right car valve. If the gap is loose, the sound produced by the car will be louder. However, gaps that are too tight are also not very good. This will cause the car to feel rocking when the idle rotation is done.
In conclusion, the valve is a component that is closely related to the vehicle’s combustion system. Therefore it needs to be given extra attention, especially if the vehicle feels heavy. Diligent car servicing on a regular basis can prevent car valve damage from getting worse.
