Posted by Vaughn on Wednesday, January 03, 2007 at 12:29:21 :
After doing some additional research the 230 Dodge engine does use a heat-resistant hard Steel/Alloy insert per TM 9-1808A. The intake seat (cast iron) is cast as part of the block. The 41-47 Dodge Repair Manual for “W” Series truck’s, also mentions the use of a hard steel exhaust seat. From what I’ve read, lead was added to fuel to act as a lubricant between the valve/seat to minimize wear and for cooling the exhaust valve head as well as identifier for the color of gas and possibly other reasons. Kaegi is correct!
Now today’s gas does not use lead, therefore a harder surface for both the valve and seat face are needed. For the valve seat, this process is called “Electronic Induction Hardness” and induces local heating of the valve seat by induction coils. This process results in a hardened valve seat (a step beyond “hard”). Chriscase is correct!
Today’s intake valves have a heat-resistant stellite face (hardened) or some other hardened material.
Based on this information I would conclude that the 230 engine would need upgrading to harder materials both seat and valve, but only if you were to drive the vehicle as an every day driver over long distances (but not many of us can afford that) or under server conditions such as living in mountainous terrain requiring a lot of grade pulling or if you towed heavy trailers producing a lot more heat on the valve/seat face area. Most of us occasionally use our trucks and under light conditions, and now and then we do work them harder. The use of lead additives may help, but not to the extent of harden parts.
So what can we do to help extend valve/seat life without upgrading?
- Using a lead additive may help
- Make sure the water distribution tube in the engine is in good shape!
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