cheekymonkey Posted May 5, 2008 Share Posted May 5, 2008 I'm going to change the VSS on my project car when I get a chance as there's a bit of black smoke on startup. I've read Tony's guide on here and it seems like it's something I am able to do however I have a couple of quick questions: 1. What happens if the VSS are NOT replaced? Does anything get damaged? 2. How much more work would it be to remove the head? I think once the head is off it would be easier for me to do the VSS because I can take my time with it indoors (damn Supra engine bay is too big to be leaning over it all day!) and then I'll be able to have a look to see if the pistons are looking nice too Plus I don't fancy stuffing rope into my engine EDIT: I'm being thick here, aren't I. I'd need to take the turbos and everything off! 3. Anyone got any of the special tools I can borrow? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyT Posted May 5, 2008 Share Posted May 5, 2008 10 outta 10 for all the work you're getting on with mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheekymonkey Posted May 5, 2008 Author Share Posted May 5, 2008 Well you know what they say.. "If you want a job done properly then ask on the forum" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d_d Posted May 5, 2008 Share Posted May 5, 2008 Ive almost completed this stem seal replacement taking the head off. Its alot more more to take the head off then to do it overhead. Things you will struggle with will be the bolts attaching the turbo to the manifold for sure, old hoses and the usal As for taking the head indoors there isnt a great deal of work to be done once you have the head off tbh i got all my valves reground and reseated along with my head skimmed,dipped anyway good luck with it hope you have fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted May 5, 2008 Share Posted May 5, 2008 Black smoke or blue? Sounds more like a fuel thing if it's really black. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d_d Posted May 5, 2008 Share Posted May 5, 2008 oh yea dont worry about leaning over to much, once you get the rad out your be able to stand in the middle off it lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheekymonkey Posted May 5, 2008 Author Share Posted May 5, 2008 Black smoke or blue? Sounds more like a fuel thing if it's really black. It's pretty darn black. Only happens on startup and not pulling away, either. May not be VSS then! Oh well - was looking forward to doing that Perhaps the motec is going really rich when the car is started? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d_d Posted May 5, 2008 Share Posted May 5, 2008 How many miles has it done? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheekymonkey Posted May 5, 2008 Author Share Posted May 5, 2008 How many miles has it done? It's done about 85k Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLicense Posted May 6, 2008 Share Posted May 6, 2008 lol for a moment than I was trying to work out what you were talking about. VSS is usually the acronym for the vacuum solenoid switch (or vacuum switching solenoid or something like that!), so I was trying to work out why you would want to swap one of those! If the valve stem seals are gone, you'll get a greyish blue tint to the smoke on start-up. It'll be like a 5 - 10 second puff of smoke, and then it'll clear. That's all it should be. If it's dark black smoke, or lasts longer than about 10 seconds at most, then it's not the valve stem seals. You're right about taking the head off, it's a lot of work. The reason why I recommend the rope trick, is that seeing as the worn valve stem seals isn't going to stop the car from running, removing the head (including all the turbo stuff) is a risky job as I doubt if most garages would be competant enough to do a good job of it. As you're thinking of doing it yourself, as long as you take your time, are methodical, follow the workshop manual (which you'll definitely need to buy - speak to CJ on the forum about getting them) and also replace anything that needs to be replaced or is worn, then you should be OK. If you need any help with any of it, send me a pm and I'll be more than happy to offer any advice / hints / general help! Best of luck! Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul mac Posted May 6, 2008 Share Posted May 6, 2008 dont forget the extra expense of taking the head off as well fella, you will need the head gasket set (£180 IIRC), crankcase hoses, you may need new head studs if they are out of spec (i used ARP), new coolant, drive and cam belts, i also changed the timing belt tensioner and pulley when i did mine, oh and a new water pump would be a good idea as mine failed 3 months after doing the head , not trying to put you off as i regard the rope gag as a bodge because you really need to check the condition of your valve seats and de-coke everything Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheekymonkey Posted May 6, 2008 Author Share Posted May 6, 2008 Thanks for your responses guys. It looks like it probably isn't my stem seals at the moment, so I won't be doing this for a while. Will enjoy doing it when it comes round to it though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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