Glossary / General

valve float

8 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

Valve float is when the engine's valves can't keep up at high speeds, which can cause problems. It usually happens if the engine is pushed too hard.

Technical Definition

Valve float occurs when the engine's valves do not close properly at high RPMs, which can lead to a loss of power and potential engine damage. It typically happens when the engine is revved beyond its design limits.

Hear It Discussed

"I mean, our argument was always there's no valves to float. Like what's going to happen?"
A New Events Season, Bad Fixes, and Fresh Favorites Bring a Trailer Podcast 26:23

"Pistons running into valves was an issue to start with mostly because of valve float. This was cured with camshaft design as well as improved valve springs."
Oil Burners: The Improbably Awesome History of Cummins At The Indy 500 The Dork-O-Motive Podcast 31:54

"Um, which played with lighter valve springs before and experienced valve float on some of those cast piston motors. And so our valve spring game was, I would say above whale above average, I"
How Myer Set The All Time Points Record At UCC 2026 Power Driven Podcast 19:13