Introduction
Engine valves are mechanically opened and closed, to admit air or expel exhaust gasses, into the engine cylinder(s); the valves are located in the head casting of the engine. The area where the valve seals against the head is called the valve seat. Most medium-sized internal combustion (IC) engines have either intake ports and exhaust valves, or both intake and exhaust valves. Smaller two stroke petrol/gasoline engines use intake and exhaust ports i.e. no valves.
The saVRee four stroke engine utilises two suction inlet valves and two exhaust discharge valves. The suction valves supply ambient air to the combustion space whilst the discharge valves discharge exhaust gasses to atmosphere.
The fresh air (intake) valve is larger than the exhaust valve to ensure fresh air replaces as much exhaust gas as possible within the combustion space.
The type of valve shown below is sometimes referred to as a 'poppet' or 'mushroom' valve.
Tip
Loop scavenging is sometimes referred to as 'Back Flow' scavenging.