Replacing Valve Stems Seals

[skoepp]

When removing valves how often should the valve stems need to be replaced?

[Stockrxp]

Every 10 hrs

[rangermtb5]

I changed mine at about 100 hours when I did valves. They are cheap enough - may as well since you're going in there

[skoepp]

I changed mine at about 100 hours when I did valves. They are cheap enough - may as well since you're going in there

On my 3rd set.
I have replaced them every time my head has been appart.
The set I just had in head were less then 30 hours.
The set in the pics above were also less then 30 hours.

[monaroman76]

The manual says everytime. IMO I'd only think about doing it if they were up around 100 hours or so.

[BigDaddyRXP]

Why do you pull your valves so often

Those seals are good for a lot of hours..... but I would definitely replace them if you have the valves out, and they have 100+ hours on them. Otherwise.... just save some cash, and swap em out in 30 hours when you have the valves out again

[skoepp]

Why do you pull your valves so often

Those seals are good for a lot of hours..... but I would definitely replace them if you have the valves out, and they have 100+ hours on them. Otherwise.... just save some cash, and swap em out in 30 hours when you have the valves out again

No shit, I ask myself the same thing?
First time was when upgrading my valve train, head ported, 3 angle valve job, with new valves obviously.
2nd time was about 15 hours latter when i spun a rod bearing in #1 wanted to check # 1 valves for contact.
3rd time was last winter for no reason really,
And now this time because my riva pistons made contact.

The only reason i ask as the head shop thinks they should be replaced and I think they are just being overly cautious.
They are 7 bucks and you need 12 plus shipping and tax. Just kill another bill.

[buickbrian]

If your doing a valve job or surfacing you need to replace. you cant get the metal particles out between the guide and seal. If your just putting springs or retainers on. No need to change unless atleast a 100 +hrs. They are kinda hard to remove without messing them up. If your just looking at a valve this time you should not need to replace. Unless they tore it. Thats my 2 cents. 7 bucks a piece kinda sucks. I know how you feel

[skoepp]

If your doing a valve job or surfacing you need to replace. you cant get the metal particles out between the guide and seal. If your just putting springs or retainers on. No need to change unless atleast a 100 +hrs. They are kinda hard to remove without messing them up. If your just looking at a valve this time you should not need to replace. Unless they tore it. Thats my 2 cents. 7 bucks a piece kinda sucks. I know how you feel

Thanks for the reply.
there surfacing the valves/head and removed them.

[alex29573]

does the head have to be taken off to replace the stem seals?

[jp1300r]

Make sure you check the valve guides especially on the exhaust side. Pull the exhaust valve out slightly and check play.

[alex29573]

From what your saying i guess the head has to come off?

[speedskixp]

does the head have to be taken off to replace the stem seals?

No. No need to remove the head if just replacing the seals. You will need the riva spring tool to do the job. However if inspecting the guides as JP suggests you will need to.

[blkturbo!]

hmmm, I've been burning more oil than usual this past year or so and its NOT been blowing into the IC....can a person tell if a 4-Tec has bad seals just from checking the smoke from the exhaust (while running on trailor)?


And while i'm thinking about it, does anyone have a realistic idea of what a dealer would charge for replacing seals?

[mac_man_luke]

And while i'm thinking about it, does anyone have a realistic idea of what a dealer would charge for replacing seals?

Id pull your head and send it to Slow91, then he can fully check it over and refresh it all.

Chances are if your valve stem seals are worn the so are your valve guides and maybe your valves could do with replacing etc