How does that go - "True dat, yo".
VW's service manuals are very conservative b/c, just like today's public schools, they must account for the lowest common denominator. Just think about all those "one time use ONLY" bolts that you've re-used that haven't gone ballistic. When the 16v GTi was introduced, it had specs that were generally unheard of at that time - 10.5:1 compression ratio and sodium-filled valves for extra cooling effects. Since that time, the automotive world has rushed past VW's innovations. Sodium-filled valves are still around and fairly commonplace although I'm seeing that stainless steel is becoming a popular replacement. Matthew >________________________________ >From: Steven Arguello <[email protected]> >To: Volkswagen a2 16v discussion list <[email protected]> >Cc: Matthew Yip <[email protected]>; Volkswagen a2 16v discussion list ><[email protected]> >Sent: Friday, June 24, 2011 9:42 AM >Subject: Re: [a2-16v-list] valve refacing > >When I mentioned it, the guy said "not worry". I'm sure there are lots of >sodium valves out there and he's done millions. You're also not supposed to >straighten alloy wheels or chrome steel ones or use a cell phone while filling >the tank. > > > >On Jun 24, 2011, at 9:30 AM, Chad Rebuck <[email protected]> wrote: > >> So if my valves didn't explode in the face of the machine shop guy >> then I shouldn't worry about them exploding or falling apart in the >> engine? >> >> If sodium filled valves are common there has to be some information >> available to the machinist on valve composition and warnings specific >> to each engine, but I'll ask firsthand so I can see his reaction. If >> I ask the lady at the desk over the phone he'll have too much time to >> think of a nice sounding answer :) >> >> On Fri, Jun 24, 2011 at 9:23 AM, Matthew Yip <[email protected]> wrote: >>> Sodium metal - fun stuff. The special disposal method is to cut the stem >>> open and put it in water. The chemical reaction releases heat and hydrogen >>> - can you say "boom". >>> >>> >>> When I was in HS, our chemistry teach talked about sodium metal and >>> lamented that he couldn't get sodium metal to demonstrate it's reactive >>> powers. Having a father who was a chemist (and a senior scientist) came in >>> handy. Went home and said "Dad, could you perhaps get me some sodium metal >>> for school?" The next day, my Dad handed me a little vial filled with oil >>> and several lumps of silvery metal and a warning to "Be careful with that >>> - don't let it dry out or come in contact with water". >>> >>> >>> Let's just say that the next chemistry class held quite a bit of >>> amusement... >>> >>> Matthew >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>> ________________________________ >>>> From: Steven Arguello <[email protected]> >>>> To: Volkswagen a2 16v discussion list <[email protected]> >>>> Cc: a2-16v <[email protected]> >>>> Sent: Friday, June 24, 2011 9:05 AM >>>> Subject: Re: [a2-16v-list] valve refacing >>>> >>>> They're sodium filled and can explode or something. My guy (eastern >>>> European) said it wasn't a problem. But I told him take off as little as >>>> possible, I think it's only the exhaust. You're not supposed to throw them >>>> in the recycling or trash, you cut the stem off and throw them in water >>>> first they boil or something. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Jun 24, 2011, at 8:53 AM, Chad Rebuck <[email protected]> wrote: >>>> >>>>> I think I may be picking up my engine from the machine shop today. I >>>>> was reading in the Bentley: >>>>> >>>>> "The valves must not be refaced. They must be hand lapped only." >>>>> >>>>> Why is this and what is the problem with having them machined as I >>>>> expect mine were? >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> a2-16v-list mailing list >>>>> [email protected] >>>>> http://mail.a2-16v.com/mailman/listinfo/a2-16v-list >>>>> For list archives, see listinfo link above. >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> a2-16v-list mailing list >>>> [email protected] >>>> http://mail.a2-16v.com/mailman/listinfo/a2-16v-list >>>> For list archives, see listinfo link above. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> a2-16v-list mailing list >>> [email protected] >>> http://mail.a2-16v.com/mailman/listinfo/a2-16v-list >>> For list archives, see listinfo link above. >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> a2-16v-list mailing list >> [email protected] >> http://mail.a2-16v.com/mailman/listinfo/a2-16v-list >> For list archives, see listinfo link above. > > >
