Well I've had a couple of post this week discussing my engine problems. I figured it out last night, the valve head popped off the Inner #3 exhaust valve stem. I am pulling the head this AM to review the damage I suspect I will be pulling the block out and sleeving the hole at a minimum.

I've got a 53 block too so dont know if it is worth the money to sink in it to save it. I may go look for another block if I can find on.

What may have made this happen? EGT? or the F1 cam and not having the F1 springs yet? I was told that I did not need the springs unless I went up on boost and max RPM. I have no other mods and have not been running the engine hard, never above 3000 RPM 99% under 2500 RPM.

 

Its a very rare problem with the VP44 engines, but it does happen. EGT does it every time, but it could be the valve was not up to par from the factory.

One thing to consider is a set of the higher temp exhaust valves available from Cummins as used in the 04.5CR engines.

 

If the valve lash is too tight the valve can overheat and break off.

 

Got the Head off this AM the carnege is severe on the face of the head will need at least two seats and surfaced that is if there is no cracks I'm looking into a buildable core 350m south of here that is not a 53 block.

my block is not that bad. would clean up .02 over maybe or sleeve #3 and all the holes would be .01 over

 

I think I'd go with the non-53 block, instead of sinking time/money rebuilding a known problem block.

Just my opinion...