[Mali Blu]

Tomorrow Ill be pulling my heads to replace my head gaskets.
I also think I might have bad valve guide seals.
What do I need to look for? How can I tell if they are bad or not?

 

[Mike]

Re: Valve guide question

They would need to be properly measured internally.

 

[rustbucket79]

Re: Valve guide question

Mechanically you can grasp the top of the retainers and try and wiggle them side to side (intake side to exhaust side of the head, that is the direction of the wear) for excess movement. Easiest to do with the heads still bolted on but with the rockers removed.

Visually you can look for build up and/or oil on the backside of the valves, but that can also be an indicator of faulty seals too. A well performing seal can cover up a fair amount of guide clearance, so this isn't a very accurate test.

Best method, remove the springs and retainers and slide the valves about a half inch off their seats (one at a time) and try and rock them, grasping on the head of the valve. If you can rock them more than .005" or so and you should take them for a shop for further evaluation.

 

[Mali Blu]

Guys, I appreciate the responses but I meant the seals.
I dont know why I put guides.

 

[rustbucket79]

Hehe, my second paragraph should give you the correct answer then,

 

[engineguy]

If you have diagnosed your valve seals as being in need of replacement, go ahead and replace them while you have the heads off. The stock seals are inexpensive. (Am assuming that you have noticed some blue smoke immdiately after starting the engine or while decelerating, which indicates bad seals and/or guides.) But, while you have the springs removed, be sure to check for guide wear, as pointed out in a previous post. If the guides are worn, the new seals will not cure the problem.

 

[Mali Blu]

Hehe, my second paragraph should give you the correct answer then,

Youre second paragraph is what made me realize I had misspoke.:yes:

 

[69-CHVL]

If they (the seals) are even remotely questionable, change 'em out...your more than half-way there already.

 

[Mali Blu]

If you have diagnosed your valve seals as being in need of replacement, go ahead and replace them while you have the heads off. The stock seals are inexpensive. (Am assuming that you have noticed some blue smoke immdiately after starting the engine or while decelerating, which indicates bad seals and/or guides.) But, while you have the springs removed, be sure to check for guide wear, as pointed out in a previous post. If the guides are worn, the new seals will not cure the problem.

Yes.The car has always done it since Ive had it. So I figured that to be the problem, but I wanted to be able to reafirm with a second way to check. I think I bought seals awhile back to do this, but I got sidetracked with other things, now Im back to it.