Sanity Check - Valve Stem Seal Replacement

Sonreir

Sonreir

Oregon
DTT SUPPORTER
Ok guys... I'm having a special moment and can't decide how to proceed.

I'm working on an engine that hasn't run in several years and the PO wasn't quite sure of the condition when he got it.

I have everything torn down, but the valves are still in the head. No leakage past the valves during an acetone check, but I'm not sure what kind of condition the valve stem seals are in. I do have replacements, but is it worth pulling all the valves and replacing the seals or should I leave things be and hope for no oil leaks into the chambers?
 
Sonreir said:
Ok guys... I'm having a special moment and can't decide how to proceed.

I'm working on an engine that hasn't run in several years and the PO wasn't quite sure of the condition when he got it.

I have everything torn down, but the valves are still in the head. No leakage past the valves during an acetone check, but I'm not sure what kind of condition the valve stem seals are in. I do have replacements, but is it worth pulling all the valves and replacing the seals or should I leave things be and hope for no oil leaks into the chambers?
Click to expand...

If you have them, why not use them?
 
It feels like it's a bit of a chance either way. The valves are sealing, so I don't want to remove them on the off chance they don't seal when I put it all back together.
 
I feel your pain. There are valid arguments either way.
Someone who is an inexperienced wrench, I would tell them to leave it the fuck alone.

I think for you, the best thing would be to pull the valves out, lap them just a tiny bit, and install new seals. I just gave someone else detailed advice on that in another thread.

http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=47646.msg527410#msg527410

I like to lube the valve guides with a little moly engine assembly lube on a Q-tip, and lube the valve stems a little, too. It's really good way to lube an engine at first start-up.
 
If you need to relax while you're doing it, come back to this thread and look at this picture of ADC all suited up and ready to go into his paint room:

wM4PjiK.jpg
 
I assume this is the 750? Which you plan on selling?

If that all rings true, then replace them. It would be just another selling point, as well as a great negotiating point when it comes time to do the usual price haggle.
 
This is kinda one of those 6 to one Half dozen the other questions. I know that replacing the valve seals will help keep the engine from burning oil.

Then again, a slightly leaking seal will lube a valve stem better. Yeah might poof some blue smoke on start up and use some oil, but valves won't wear much.

To each his own I guess, hell my old 50 dodge had no seals, nether does my current lawn mower. I left the old seals in both my 360 and my 450. So what it poofs a little smoke if it sits for a while. I think it adds character.

Do what you will, if you are that far in then may as well, if you have the tool to do it.
 
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