[TheForge] Sodium filled valve stems?

Wed Jan 16 10:04:01 2002

Sodium is a metal, liquid at engine temperatures.  It sloshes around in =
the valve, cooling it.

Unfortunately sodium is also quite reactive.  If it contacts water, it =
reacts violently to produce hydrogen gas, caustic soda and heat.  The heat =
can be enough to ignite the hydrogen produced.  Sodium or hot caustic soda =
will eat right through skin, and will destroy an eye. =20

I'm no expert on sodium-filled valves, but I think the stems are thicker =
than on standard valves.

Bruce=20
NJ

>>> "Barking Crow" <[email protected]> 01/16 8:19 AM >>>
Hey,

What's up with the sodium filled valve stems?  Why do they do it?  How can =
I
tell if one is sodium filled?  What happens to my day if I cut one that is
sodium filled?  And finally, what are regular valves made of?

Thanks again,

Jeff Valentine

Barking Crow
http://www.barkingcrow.com=20
[email protected]=20

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