I have a slightly bent exhaust valve (98% Sure) that creates a pretty mean ticking. I notice some power loss and slight decrease in MPGs. My question is what is the most cost effective way of fixing this issue? I have found a refurbished vtec Head complete with all new valves, springs, ect. for around 350. I know it is good practice to replace all of them if you need to replace just one. Let me know your expert opinions, tips, or tricks or if you know of anywhere where I might be able to find the items i would need for a decent price

Thanks to everybody in advance.

Car info: 97 EX 2.2L Vtec. 5spd trans.

 

what were your verification procedures to determine that you have a bent valve?

 

Verify.

But if it IS TRULY bent, I wouldn't try to leave it alone or do any ghetto repairs. It operates at a high-enough temperature that off-axis loads and large number of cycles means it IS gonna break off. Then you'll be looking at a much larger repair bill.

 

@Dr. Drivability. I have adjusted the valve lash to try and correct the problem. it helped a little bit but it still ticks pretty loud. As of right now I am driving my wifes truck to get me around but i would like to get the problem fixed so I can sell the car. Nobody wants a car that ticks.

 

have you checked compression? if the valve is bent then it won't seal the combustion chamber fully and you should get a different reading from the other 3 cylinders. i'm still not convinced if you check compression and it's good...change the oil, and add a can of Seafoam to the crankcase...i have had good luck with it alleviating ticks, tocs, and other errant noises. and i'm sure i'll be beat-up for telling you to do this but it's worth a shot.

 

Sorry i forgot to mention that i did in fact do a compression test and yes there is a significant amount of compression lost on cylinder #1. So I know I need to get this fixed. i just want to know what is the best plan of action for this task

 

gotta tear into it now and find out what's going on. pull the head, make sure the piston are in good condition (i've seen chunks missing out of them) and then have it rebuilt or swap it for a rebuilt head.

 

The local U Pull & Pay junkyard in my part of the country sells used cylinder heads for $30 ($10 core charge) and a $7.50 fee if you want an extended return period. Add another $100 for a head gasket set; ~$150 total plus a Saturday's labor.

 

@Roader I have checked the only local U Pull yard and unfortunately they don't have any of the f22 engines in the yard. Any web sites that might sell a rebuilt head for around 300?

 

You can try car-part dot com and see what they have listed near where you live.