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Common Symptoms of Faulty Valve Spring(s)

By R&D
Published on March 3rd, 2025

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The Valve Springs play a critical role in the operation of an internal combustion engine by ensuring the proper operation of the engine's valvetrain. Their primary function is to exert pressure on the engine's valves, keeping the valves closed after the camshaft pushes them open during each engine cycle.

Positioned on top of the engine valves and held in place by retainers, the Valve Springs ensure that the intake and exhaust valves open and close at the correct intervals, which is essential for proper combustion. The Valve Springs also help prevent valve-float in the intake and exhaust valves, which occurs when the engine’s speed has outpaced the valves speed, causing a disconnect between the camshaft lobes and the valvetrain. When the Valve Springs wear out or weaken over time, they can lead to issues such as engine misfires, loss of compression, and a reduction in overall engine performance.

Common Symptoms of Faulty Valve Spring(s)

This article highlights the typical symptoms of the faulty Valve Springs to help you identify potential issues and their root causes.

What Causes Valve Spring Failures?

Wear and Tear: Over time, Valve Springs are subjected to constant stress from the repetitive opening and closing of the engine valves. As the vehicle covers high mileage, the Valve Springs can wear out and weaken, losing their tension and ability to maintain proper valve timing. This natural degradation can eventually lead to valve float, misfires, or overall poor engine performance.

Excessive Engine Heat: Prolonged exposure to excessive heat within the engine may lead to metal fatigue, where the Valve Springs lose their elasticity and resilience. This can cause the Valve Springs to break and fail to properly close the valves, resulting in a loss of compression and inefficient engine operation.

Improper Installation or Adjustment: Incorrect installation or improper adjustment of the valve components, such as setting the wrong spring height or preload, can place undue stress on the Valve Springs. Misalignment or over-compression can cause the Valve Springs to wear out faster, leading to failure. If the Valve Springs are not installed or adjusted correctly, they may be unable to function as intended, compromising engine performance and durability.

Common Symptoms of Faulty Valve Springs

Loss of Power

One of the most noticeable signs of faulty Valve Springs is a significant loss of engine power. When the Valve Springs weaken or fail, they may not close the valves properly, leading to incomplete combustion. This results in a reduction in power, especially during acceleration, as the engine cylinders struggle to maintain proper compression. You may experience sluggish performance or a lack of response when pressing the accelerator pedal.

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Engine Misfires

Weak or broken Valve Springs can cause the valves to not function properly, leading to incomplete combustion in one or more cylinders. This can result in engine misfires, which are often noticeable as rough idling, hesitations, or stuttering while driving. Misfires not only affect performance but can also lead to long-term damage to the engine.

Rough Idling

Faulty Valve Springs may cause the engine to idle unevenly. If the valves aren’t closing properly, the engine may struggle to maintain a smooth idle, leading to shaking or vibrating when the vehicle is stationary. This symptom is often more pronounced when the engine is under load or operating at low RPM.