Piston valves come in two types: intake and exhaust. Both are actuated by the camshaft and affect power generation potential. Valve timing and design are important factors in the power equation, especially for the exhaust valve, which must expel all exhaust gases for maximum power.
A piston valve comes in two types. There is an intake piston valve, which is responsible for allowing fuel and air to charge into the combustion chamber. The other type of piston valve is the exhaust valve. This piston valve is responsible for allowing spent gases and fumes from the combustion process to escape the cylinder. Both versions of the piston valve are actuated by the camshaft and the amount of time the piston valve is open. The amount that is opened is also determined through the timing process and the profile of the camshaft.
Perhaps no engine component affects power generation potential as much as the piston valve. The opening and closing of the piston valve, as well as the ability to seal the combustion chamber, are power-building functions of the piston valve. The combustion chamber is the area of an engine where power is produced. By effectively sealing the combustion chamber, all the power extracted from the ignition process can be projected to the crankshaft via the pistons and connecting rods. The more complete the combustion process, the more power the engine can get.
While the valves are responsible for the entry and exit of fuels from the combustion chamber, the valve timing is the model of how this entry and exit will occur and at what point in the combustion process it will occur. Experienced engine builders understand that if the camshaft is the heart of an engine, the valves must be the main arteries. Power is made and lost in the profile of a valve pocket and even in the angles chosen to grind the valve and seat. Size, valve stem design, and valve angle are important factors in the power equation.
When looking at the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, the largest valve will be the exhaust valve. The reason is that the intake charge is helped to the cylinder head by gravity and the suction of the piston as it travels down through its intake stroke. The exhaust, on the other hand, must escape through the exhaust valve with minimal assistance from the piston, as it travels up through the cylinder walls on the exhaust stroke. It is imperative that all exhaust gases be expelled from the cylinder in order to get the most power from the intake charge. Valve timing, setup, and design complete the process in concert.
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