Broken valves and broken dreams

[Mike Hohnstein]

It should be noted that BlueBird recommended and I quote; Keep it around 2000
rpm. The recommendation is for the 3208. Cat calls 2400 rpm in marine
applications, "continuous cruise speed".
Some people think it's wise to check valve adjustment every 50k miles, some
think that's too much. I check it more often as I fear broken parts and I DO
NOT EVER take short cuts with my vehicles of any kind.
However, ignorance is bliss for most folks and occasionally the bite in the butt
from reality hurts.
Weak valve springs is the most common cause of valve failure, springs can lose
tension in storage. At rest, some valves are open at max lift and some are
closed. Those that are open can take a set and lose closing strength, this
allows the valve to bounce in operation, compound the problem by running
2700/2800 rpm and some times stuff breaks.
Watch that valve lash and check the valve spring tension regularly, other wise,
keep your fingers crossed. Ain't diesels fun?
Mike Hohnstein
Germantown, WI
83FC35

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