Is the longer valve spring on the new Santana for intake or exhaust?
4 Answers
The longer valve spring is for the exhaust, while the shorter one is for the intake. Here are the specific details about valve springs: 1. Function: The valve spring ensures the correct reset of the valve, overcoming the gap generated by the inertia force of the valve and transmission parts during the closing process, ensuring timely seating and tight contact of the valve, and preventing the valve from breaking the seal due to jumping during engine vibration. 2. Installation position: When installed, one end of the valve spring is supported on the cylinder head, and the other end is pressed against the spring seat at the tail end of the valve stem, fixed at the end of the valve stem with a lock ring or lock pin. 3. Material: To ensure sufficient stiffness and installation preload, valve springs are mostly made of high-carbon manganese steel, chromium-vanadium steel wire, or silicon-chromium steel wire. Valve springs are generally made into cylindrical springs with equal pitch. When an engine is equipped with a single valve spring, springs with unequal pitch are used to prevent resonance.
As someone who frequently tinkers with their beloved car, I remember that the valve springs on the new Santana are usually longer on the exhaust side because they have to withstand high-temperature exhaust gases and heavier impacts, ensuring the valves can quickly return to position. The intake side is relatively less demanding, mainly handling the pressure of fresh air flowing into the engine, so the springs are shorter. The last time I replaced a set of springs in the garage, I opened the engine cover and saw that the exhaust side was noticeably longer, especially when the engine temperature soared, making it more prone to fatigue damage. If they aren’t aligned or installed incorrectly, it can cause abnormal noises or affect performance. For routine maintenance, I recommend using engine cleaners more often to reduce carbon buildup around the spring area and extend their lifespan. Additionally, regularly checking spring stiffness is crucial since excessive aging can affect fuel efficiency and smooth starts.
Since buying the new Santana, I've been fascinated by engine details and have studied the layout of valve springs. In most cases, longer springs are used for exhaust valves because the exhaust side faces greater pressure and must withstand thermal expansion to prevent gas leakage. Intake valves, on the other hand, have shorter springs as their working environment is less harsh. I've measured them several times with a ruler, and indeed the exhaust springs are about one or two millimeters longer, which can be verified in the vehicle manual or repair guide. During daily driving, if you notice sluggish acceleration or slight sticking noises, it's likely due to spring aging and they should be replaced sooner. Maintenance tips include avoiding aggressive throttle use to prevent engine overheating and regularly adding oil additives to protect metal components.
When driving the new Santana on long trips, I noticed the length of the valve springs is quite crucial. The exhaust valve springs are longer, as the exhaust stroke involves greater force and higher temperatures, requiring a more durable design. The intake valve springs are shorter for lighter operation. Be careful not to mix up their orientation during maintenance, as this can increase engine vibration. Regular engine cleaning and adopting a gentle driving style can help prevent premature spring failure and maintain engine performance.
