[TheForge] Sodium filled valve stems?

[Jeff Harding]

   When I worked in an automotive machine shop, 20 years ago, we were
told to dispose of sodium filled valves by drilling a certain sized
small hole in the stem and dropping them into bucket of water.
Supposedly they would slowly bubble out the hole until the reaction
was complete.

   None of us ever had to toss a sodium filled valve out, but we all
agreed that we weren't drilling and dunking any if the chance
presented itself.

   Jeff   ><>




> 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.