Stuck Valve??

[AMiller]

Could anyone explain to me the theory behind a "Stuck or Sticky Valve"?

I was talking to a Ford Guy, engine builder and tuner, about my 351 and its problem idling. Motor seems good above 2500rpm but runs like crap below that. We both agree it could be the carb, motor has not been run in 3 years. He also suggested that there could be a stuck or sticky valve.

I am having real problems understanding how a sticky valve could be an issue at lower rpms and then go away as things get twisting. To me this would cause problems through out the rpm range. Its the same valve train just acting faster.

Anyway, if you take all my vast knowledge and add a quarter to it you could make a phone call so Im just curious what some of your opinions are.

Aaron

[DAVID GAGNARD]

It could possibly be a lifter losing it's prime at low rpm (low oil pressure) and as the rpms come up, so does the oil pressure, getting enough oil to the lifter to make it work properly.........

try getting the car up to operating temp, say a 5 to 10 mile drive and then while it's still hot, change the oil and filter.....sitting that long could have caused things to "gum up"....

Next I would definetly take the carb apart and go thru it or have someone qualified do it for you, carbs will definetly gum up and gaskets will dry up sitting that long........

David

[Mac VABCH]

I had a bent valve and at idle it just stumbled a bit but not bad. At wide open throttle motor was strong and there was not and hesitation to rev. A easy check to see if all cylinders are firing is to spray water from a spray bottle on to each header tube while the engine is running. If it sizzle and evaporates the water right away its firing...