Valves Most modern engines use poppet valves, although sleeve valves, slide valves and rotary valves have also been used at times. Poppet valves are typically opened by the camshaft lobe or rocker arm, and closed by a coiled spring called a valve spring. Valve float occurs when the valve spring is unable to control the inertia of the valvetrain at high engine speeds (RPM). See also Cam-in-block Camless piston engine References Engine components