1. What is Piston Valve Clearance?

Definition: Valve clearance is the radial gap between the piston valve and cylinder bore in an engine.

Purpose: Proper clearance ensures efficient engine operation while preventing excessive wear or seizure.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( C_v \) — Valve clearance (meters)
• \( D_{bore} \) — Cylinder bore diameter (meters)
• \( D_{valve} \) — Valve diameter (meters)

Explanation: The difference between bore and valve diameters is divided by 2 to get the radial clearance on each side.

3. Importance of Valve Clearance

Details: Proper clearance is critical for thermal expansion accommodation, lubrication, and preventing engine damage.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both diameters in meters (convert from mm if needed). Bore diameter must be larger than valve diameter.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical valve clearance range?
A: Typically 0.05-0.15mm for small engines, but varies by engine design and materials.

Q2: Why is clearance different on each side?
A: This calculator assumes symmetrical clearance. Some engines may have intentional asymmetrical clearances.

Q3: How does temperature affect clearance?
A: Materials expand when hot, so cold clearance must account for operating temperature differences.

Q4: When would I need to adjust valve clearance?
A: During engine rebuilds, when replacing valves/cylinders, or when diagnosing engine problems.

Q5: What happens if clearance is too small/large?
A: Too small risks seizure when hot; too large causes poor compression and increased wear.