Cylinder Head: Disposal

WARNING:

Metallic sodium is encapsulated in the exhaust valve. Metallic sodium is a strong alkaline material and poses a risk of causing a severe chemical reaction.
Use great care when handling and disposing it.
If the metallic sodium gets into your eyes, you may lose your sight. If it touches the skin, you may get burned severely or if it touches flame, fire may be caused by chemical reaction. Therefore, do not disassemble the exhaust valve.
It is safe when the metallic sodium encapsulated in the exhaust valve is not exposed to the air.
When the exhaust valve is broken, remove the broken exhaust valve, and dispose of the metallic sodium.
Do not intentionally break the exhaust valve and take out the metallic sodium.
Identify the exhaust valve in which the metallic sodium is encapsulated with the embossed mark.

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION:

When disposing of the exhaust valve that is not broken, entrust the disposal processing to the industrial waste disposer in charge of dissolution treatment.
When the exhaust valve is broken, remove it from the cylinder head, perform appropriate processing in the same manner as the general steel material.
When performing processing, be careful of the following.
1. Prepare the fire extinguisher nearby.
2. Wear the protective goggles.
3. Wear rubber gloves.

Wear rubber gloves and remove the broken exhaust valve from the cylinder head.
Prepare large container (bucket or oil can) in well-ventilated place, and fill the container with water (10 L or more).
Using a pair of large tweezers or pliers, immerse the broken exhaust valve in the water vertically.
CAUTION:
- Completely immerse the broken exhaust valve in the water.
- Hydrogen gas is produced by the chemical reaction. Therefore, always keep the container away from open flames such as sparks.
- Because the severe chemical reaction is developed, keep at least 2 to 3 m away from the container.
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
After completion of chemical reaction (after the elapse of 4 - 5 hours), carefully take out the exhaust valve using a pair of large tweezers or pliers, and dispose of the exhaust valve according to the same disposal procedure the general steel material.
CAUTION:
- Concerning the liquid waste disposal of the liquid (sodium hydrate) produced in a chemical reaction, follow all governmental regulations and local regulations related to the liquid waste disposal.
- If the liquid produced in a chemical reaction (sodium hydrate) should touch the skin, immediately wash it away with plenty water.