RedM Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 The car: 1996 JDM Auto with 108k on the clock. The issue: Valve stem oil seals are weeping. The plans: 1. Have them replaced using the rope trick method and hope it all goes smoothly. 2. Have them replaced using compressed air to hold them up/open during removal. This may damage the head gasket if it has a weak spot. 3. Full head off and replacement/refurbishment of everything that needs it. 4. Wait until I've got some money and get the whole engine refurbed. The idea being that, at 108k, it could probably do with freshening up. We plan to keep the car for a long time so an engine refurb appeals but obviously we have a problem that needs sorting out. We have no plans for any power increase over BPU so we aren't looking to radically strengthen the engine. I also don't like to have things done twice. For example, if we have the head done and then have the engine done at a later date I'd be annoyed because it's two lots of work, if you see what I mean. Any thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 Rope trick - works everytime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 The idea being that, at 108k, it could probably do with freshening up. If it ain't broke.... If it's been looked after in it's life it's going to be fine. The expense this would be just for peace of mind would be criminal. Not to mention the crank seal failure issues which seem to only occur on cars that have had internal engine work done. I'd take it to someone that I know who has done valve stems plenty of times without removing the head and knows the job well to avoid head removal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 Just buy some well priced oil and keep topping the *ugger up. NO WAY will compressed air to hold the valves shut damage the head gasket, you only use about 80 PSI, on the firing stroke you see maybe 1000 PSI, as an explosive shock wave. Compressed air is very safe, so long as the air supply doesn't fail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted July 13, 2007 Author Share Posted July 13, 2007 I guess that doing a lot of work on the engine is a bit like opening Pandora's Box. Who knows what will be found. Chris, Would you say that it's enough to do the seals in situ or would you recommend having the head off in all instances? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 I would want to take the head off and lap the valves and check the guide wear. I am too paranoid about something dropping down an oil drain gallery once I have quoted for a head on jobbie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted July 13, 2007 Author Share Posted July 13, 2007 'Lap the valves'? You've lost me there, Chris. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian C Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 I've used the rope trick and laughed at how easy it was compared to what I thought it would be like. I'd rather that than accidently bink open a valve, blind myself with all the compressed air shooting out into my face, and then dropping the valve in. Plus there is the associated hassle of getting a compressed air supply, plumbing it in, sealing it, and making sure it doesn't run out. Rope is reusable -Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobSheffield Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 'Lap the valves'? You've lost me there, Chris. Makes sure the valve to valve seat is good Martin "its a good thing" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Class One Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 Martin, think of the smoke as an early warning. Mins started once I decatted, beforehand it never got past the cats. I've known some members to run theirs quite happily for quite sometime with a bit of blue smoke on start up and not have issues. Mine smokes a little bit for about 15-20secs after start up but there's nothing seen again afterwards, not even on wot. (I've had this confirmed by having people following me.) Engines get old and tired, and I suppose this is a sign of a bit of wear and tear. If you don't feel comfortable doing a rope trick diy method then get someone else to do the work and be prepared to pay a faif old whack. May as well have a compression test and all the other bits done at the same time, OR not worry, enjoy the car for a bit longer until you've got all the funds together and then have it done in one hit to your satisfaction. I don't have the skillz or confidence to DIY it so for me it'll be one of those things that has to be done at the expense or having things on my wish list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUPRASUZUKI Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 Leave it alone if it's just the odd puff of smoke on start-up. Burning a couple of mil of oil will not do it any harm. If it gets worse, then get the work done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kranz Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 I'm a head off kind of guy. Did it on the 3.2 Jag... and ported it, cleaned the valves & lapped them in, checked the guide wear, hot tank cleaned the head, had it skimmed & fitted a DB7 gasket while I was there. Peace of mind & its good fun as long as you have plenty of time to spare Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jakewilks Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 OK i give in, what is the rope trick?? never heard of it ,but i want to if it means a job can be made easier,, john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kranz Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 OK i give in, what is the rope trick?? never heard of it ,but i want to if it means a job can be made easier,, john Take the cams off. Push a few feet of rope into one cylinder through the spark plug hole with the piston at TDC.... and hey presto, you can take the valve springs off without the valves dropping into the cylinder. The valve stem seals can then be replaced at very little cost! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted July 13, 2007 Author Share Posted July 13, 2007 OK i give in, what is the rope trick?? never heard of it ,but i want to if it means a job can be made easier,, john Have a look here. All will be revealed. http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?t=49859 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ric Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 OK i give in, what is the rope trick?? never heard of it ,but i want to if it means a job can be made easier,, john[/QUote] look at the guide by tlicence in the FAQ section Edit, too quick you two Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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