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What the hell could have caused this???

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Old 06-09-2013, 01:26 AM
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Default What the hell could have caused this???

I was driving my car and heard a loud bang and it died started it back up and it sounded horrible so i had it towed home. So the next day the took the valve cover off and found the #6 intake valve spring compressed all the way down.

so next i went ahead and pulled the head and confirmed what i already thought it dropped a valve.





so my question is what caused it? The spring isn't broken or anything like that the retainer and hardware all looks fine. so I'm kind of lost here? and it wasn't from over revving it let loose at about 6k rpms
Old 06-09-2013, 01:35 AM
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What cam?
Old 06-09-2013, 01:41 AM
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Originally Posted by KCS
What cam?
it has a 234/236 and 612 lift
Old 06-09-2013, 01:42 AM
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How does the #6 intake lifter look?
Old 06-09-2013, 01:44 AM
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Originally Posted by 99Bluz28
How does the #6 intake lifter look?
it looks fine the push rods end it smashed in a little and the rocker arm is crack a little but I'm assuming that happened after the valve dropped the heads where ported and polished also
Old 06-09-2013, 06:14 AM
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Since the spring is still in 1 piece, check it for specs...better yet, check all 16.
Old 06-09-2013, 07:00 AM
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Whats the ICL and LSA on the cam? Did you check PTV when you put it together?

Are there any other witness marks on any of the other pistons? If not then its hard to say why only one cylinder would do that.

I would do the trunion upgrade when you put it back together though.
Old 06-09-2013, 07:53 AM
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How many miles on the setup?
What were the valves?
Old 06-09-2013, 08:33 AM
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As requested above, we need all of the build specs. Am kinda surprised that the pistons aren't fly cut, yet there's no sign of valve contact in the limited view we can see w/ that duration, depending on gasket thickness, CR, ICL...etc., would generally see fly cut pistons.

Most probable cause, based on current info. available, is valve float...even @ just 6K max. RPM. That's why it has been asked for you to check spring specs. Even if the intake valves are hollow stem; hollow stem without other issues wouldn't be enough for valve to fail. Regardless, we need all build specs in order for a more definitive answer. Info. regarding gasket thickness & any machining on heads/block are important.

BTW, dual springs are generally good for 20K-25K miles & then should be changed.
Old 06-09-2013, 09:52 AM
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Originally Posted by Kooljames20
it has a 234/236 and 612 lift
Is it a shelf cam or custom grind?

When you ask for help like this, the more details the better.
Old 06-09-2013, 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by LS1-450
BTW, dual springs are generally good for 20K-25K miles & then should be changed.
Where did you get this from?
Old 06-09-2013, 11:44 AM
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Originally Posted by 96lt4c4
Whats the ICL and LSA on the cam? Did you check PTV when you put it together?
i will post a pic of the cams spec sheet.
Are there any other witness marks on any of the other pistons? If not then its hard to say why only one cylinder would do that.
there are no other marks on any other pistons at all

I would do the trunion upgrade when you put it back together though.
yeah I'm defiantly going to do that,, I'm going to build something for a lot of boost next
Originally Posted by 96capricemgr
How many miles on the setup?
What were the valves?
about 3500 miles and they are severe duty stainless valves
Originally Posted by LS1-450
As requested above, we need all of the build specs. Am kinda surprised that the pistons aren't fly cut, yet there's no sign of valve contact in the limited view we can see w/ that duration, depending on gasket thickness, CR, ICL...etc., would generally see fly cut pistons.
i had ls9 gaskets and the heads were milled a little bit

Most probable cause, based on current info. available, is valve float...even @ just 6K max. RPM. That's why it has been asked for you to check spring specs. Even if the intake valves are hollow stem; hollow stem without other issues wouldn't be enough for valve to fail. Regardless, we need all build specs in order for a more definitive answer. Info. regarding gasket thickness & any machining on heads/block are important.

BTW, dual springs are generally good for 20K-25K miles & then should be changed.
Originally Posted by KCS
Is it a shelf cam or custom grind?
a custom grind
When you ask for help like this, the more details the better.



Old 06-09-2013, 11:53 AM
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looking at the cross section of the valve it doesn't appear hollow...
Old 06-09-2013, 02:41 PM
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Originally Posted by handyandy496
looking at the cross section of the valve it doesn't appear hollow...
He has aftermarket valves
Old 06-09-2013, 03:07 PM
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Looks like the valve head simply fell off. It has happened before.

Good thing you got it shut off quick. And, it's a good thing the valve head stuck in the port. This usually bust the piston and the sleeve.

Ron
Old 06-09-2013, 03:58 PM
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Originally Posted by RonSSNova
Looks like the valve head simply fell off. It has happened before.

Good thing you got it shut off quick. And, it's a good thing the valve head stuck in the port. This usually bust the piston and the sleeve.

Ron
is there something i can do to prevent the head from falling off again is there a better valve i can go with?
Old 06-09-2013, 04:37 PM
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what springs.
Old 06-09-2013, 04:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Gray86hatch
what springs.
double patriots
Old 06-09-2013, 05:09 PM
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Whose valves?

These are likely 3 pc valves. The head is spun welded to the stem. I'm not sure, but I think most valves are made that way.

Ron
Old 06-09-2013, 08:02 PM
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Originally Posted by RonSSNova
Whose valves?

These are likely 3 pc valves. The head is spun welded to the stem. I'm not sure, but I think most valves are made that way.

Ron
im not sure to be honest


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