Valve Wear and Spring Orientation

[Hector]

Two questions:

(1) The picture of the valve shows a ridge between the arrows. Is this normal or is it wear? I don't have a new valve to compare.

(2) Below the valve picture are the valve springs. What's up with the orange/tannish marks on each?

Thanks

http://www.geocities.com/frothlikn/classic_tan3.html

[Bill R.]

color coding on the valves for bmw I'm not sure of their exact specs or reasons for each color but typically valve springs are color coded according to installed pressure to keep the spring pressures approx. the same on the head, the factory doesn't usually shim to set spring pressures so the color coding allows the assy line workers to match pressures on a head.. Some manufacturers also put the paint mark at the top of the valve spring to indicate which side is up when installed, some progressive wound and non progressive wound are marked this way. And some manufacturers use a different color code not only for the spring pressure and free length but also to indicate the alloy used on that particular valve spring.

Two questions:

(1) The picture of the valve shows a ridge between the arrows. Is this normal or is it wear? I don't have a new valve to compare.

(2) Below the valve picture are the valve springs. What's up with the orange/tannish marks on each?

Thanks

http://www.geocities.com/frothlikn/classic_tan3.html

[632 Regal]

the large valve springs are 2-end progressive wound, you can install then either way. The small springs are not progressive and also can be installed in either direction.

The valve notch is just as Bill said.

[Hector]

n/a