The Vortex® Valve is an automatic pressure relief valve that regulates air with changing altitude and temperature, while keeping water out. Storm Case pressure equalization vents (Vortex® valves) are the result of a unique molded housing and a special "Gortex" gas-permeable micro-porous membrane that can repel liquids and micro-particles while allowing gas (air) molecules to pass right through the membrane.

This dual function product contains two valves in one body with a common input and common exhaust. When the toggle is centered in the 2-Way configuration all ports are blocked, in the 3-Way configuration both output ports are open to exhaust.

It is a butterfly valve like the one in the throttle body (see picture). The default is closed. When vacuum is high (idle-cruising) an actuator opens the bypass valve so that intake air bypasses the compressor. When accelerating, vacuum decreases and the bypass valve instantly closes. Intake air now goes through the compressor, building boost. More power means more fuel means larger injectors. However, in order to pass CARB, the base kit had to use the stock injectors.

The pressure relief valve is a spring-supported valve that opens when the limit pressure is reached, thereby discharging excess air via the bypass. The pressure relief valve protects the side channel blower from overload.

The helium release valve works by letting helium out of your watch, and nothing else in. This only comes in handy when you are in a helium-saturated environment such as a dive bell. You can open it on land, but make sure you screw it back down before you submerge it in water. Leaving it open while the watch is under water can let water into the watch. Note: This system is consistant with the Seamaster Professional Chronograph - Chronometer as well...

In the event of the CAI filter being completely submerged in water (eg: deep puddle) this gives the CAI a seperate "bypass" area to draw air into the engine, without taking in water to the engine - resulting in hydrolock (your engine is pooched due to ingesting water). Cheap insurance for CAI.

A standard technology engine brake consists of a solenoid valve, control valve, and master and slave pistons. These components are assembled into a housing as shown below. When the brake is activated, the solenoid allows oil to pass to the control valve. The control valve moves up and the check ball in the control valve is unseated, allowing oil to fill the master/slave piston circuit.

The pressure generated by the supercharger accumulates in the intake manifold. When the piston, near the end of the power stroke exposes the exhaust ports, pressure in the cylinder immediately declines to less than that of the intake manifold, so the valve opens against a mild spring, just from the pressure differential. The piston is still approaching bottom dead center (BDC) so yet more air is attracted to the growing volume of the cylinder.

The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve (along with the Breather Element) re-circulates unburned gases back into the engine to be re-burned, cutting air pollution. A plugged PCV can cause rough engine idle and many other problems, including engine damage. It is quite important that the PCV value be working properly in your car. The PCV valve should be checked/changed every 30,000 miles.

This can be one of several problems. Over time, the neoprene disk on the valve plunger can build up with mineral deposits. These deposits will not let the plunger make a tight seal. Turning the disk over or installing a new disk will solve this problem. A sinking float or a loose or stripped wing nut or thumbscrew can also cause a unit to overflow. This problem can be fixed with new components.

No, although sometimes in older homes the valve might be below the ground, and therefore not visible.

Rather than trying to explain it here, we have a link to a neat web site provided by Robert Booty where he actually shows how a Walschaert's valve gear works using animated GIFs. Click anywhere on these words to check it out - and be sure to look at the large GIF he has which shows how the linkages are arranged to go forwards and backwards.

Zanfel works safely into the dermal layer of your skin, binds to the urushiol oil, and, when rinsed off, takes the oil with it down the drain.