The valve springs used in a reciprocating engine are checked for proper ____________ with the use of a valve spring compression tester.

The valve springs used in a reciprocating engine are checked for proper ____________ with the use of a valve spring compression tester.

• A. Tension
• B. Compression
• C. Stiffness
• D. Load

Answer: (A)

When testing a valve spring with a compression tester, you’re assessing the force the spring can develop as it is compressed to its installed height—the tension the wire provides to oppose compression. That tension determines the closing force on the valve, so verifying it at the specified compression ensures the spring can reliably seat and return the valve. While the tester does relate to the load the spring carries and the stiffness (spring rate) is a related property, the quantity most directly checked and described for valve springs in this context is the tension they can exert.

When testing a valve spring with a compression tester, you’re assessing the force the spring can develop as it is compressed to its installed height—the tension the wire provides to oppose compression. That tension determines the closing force on the valve, so verifying it at the specified compression ensures the spring can reliably seat and return the valve. While the tester does relate to the load the spring carries and the stiffness (spring rate) is a related property, the quantity most directly checked and described for valve springs in this context is the tension they can exert.