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.
