What causes valves to stick?

[SavageC20]

Originally Posted by toolboxchev

I am wondering about your machine shop buddies???

I can rebuild a top in my driveway and have less problems. If you have bronze valve guides the ethanol can be an issue, not to the point that you are describing. I have not seen that. Every car on the road would have problems.

You have other issues happening most likely a compound issue. How about some pics?

Yeah that's the thing, its not like this is a one off custom engine, its standard stuff that has been around for years.


Machine shop went with hardened one piece pushrods and roller rockers the second go around. They also thought there was an oiling issue because a couple of the rockers had oil burned/baked onto them, but were unable to determine a cause...

Here is a pic of the pitted cam and pushrods the first go around, keep in mind that the bottoms of the lifters were perfect. Also, I am not 100% sure if I have bronze valve guides , but I believe I do.