Valve seals

Cleriq · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:01 pm Post subject: Valve seals

For the experienced tuners
I am 90% sure that my valve seals are bad (though I have not done a leak down test yet).
So my question is:
a)Should I just replace the valve seals?
Or
b)Pull the head, replace the valve seals, reseat the valves, replace all seals in the head and valve cover.

Option a) is cheaper and faster and should restore normal oil consumption.

Option b) will is more expensive and will require a new Head Gasket and head bolts (I prefer not to reuse the head bolts as they tend to stretch over time).

The engine is @ 91,000 kms.

For those that dont know, the engine is one of them 1.8 vtak thingies

P.S. Do not just say option b) without a reason ;I do not have a money tree.

X2 · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 9:37 pm Post subject:

Yuh must be a borse !

In option A....how u planning to pull the seals w/o un-bolting the head ?

stephanweaver · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 10:07 pm Post subject:

i was now going to ask that x2...

Spyrogyra · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 6:38 am Post subject:

doh hate the man becasue he could move in the 5th dimension !!!!

looks like someone needs a hug

Cleriq, get a copy of the honda service manual and go thru the procedure to change the valve seals.

If you don't have one let me know and I'd burn a copy of the PDF for you.

I would suggest you replace the head bolts with some ARP studs, to keep that pesky head on da lockdown, yes the old bolts may have stretched but the only way to know is to measure it against the toleances in the manual. Also while your mech has the head scrapped let them send it to a machine shop and measure everything (especially the valve guide bore, they just wiggle the valves and measure it to see if the guides are worn). Finally they should re-surface the head, do a compression test, clean it in a parts washer and VOILA !!! head so clean you could shave looking at it..

Who do you have in mind to do the job?

X2 · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 9:27 am Post subject:

That's his option B u listed there Spyro.

In short Q, if you want to change the seals, you will need to pull the head, so might as well check the guide to seat clearance one time.... but at 91k it shouldn't NEED it. Buh you's a man that like to see redline... so go with plenty $$... Laughing

Spyrogyra · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 9:39 am Post subject:

Spyrogyra · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 9:40 am Post subject:

Cleriq, Stop playing WoW and read a honda manual !!!! Mr. Green

X2 · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 9:48 am Post subject:

stephanweaver · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 9:50 am Post subject:

i would advise against reusing a hg

X2 · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 10:16 am Post subject:

While that is the convention (especially on a high mileage car), you can only determine that by actually looking at the HG.... remember, honda gaskets are 3 layer metal.

Cleriq · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 5:14 pm Post subject:

So guys, tell me why I cannot change the valve seals without taking off the head.

BTW there are things a helms will never teach you.

And yeah, I'm ghetto!

X2 · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 6:11 pm Post subject:

why can't you change it ?

I know there's always more than one way to do something... but if you break a lock or damage a seal... or god forbid, an exotic hollow valve... will you be singing the praises of ghetto engineering ?

I already said about the relationship between the seals and the guides... might as well do it right the first time, and forget about the wad ur gunna blow.... in other words playa... u have the Holy Grail of B series engines there and you want to come at it with a old socket, screwdrivers and a BFH ? Tek dis.... #Fist

Cleriq · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 7:10 pm Post subject:

^Hey Yoda, a lot of hard core mechs never read a helms; improvision is second nature to most of them. Before all the fancy tools like valve adjustment tools and valve spring compressors, those mechs used to get the job done.

Till now, I never explained my method of getting the seals off, how you know my method ghetto?

So wait a sec, if I changing valve springs and retainers, do I need to pull my head too? As far as I remember the spring seat, valve seal valve spring, retainer and valve keeper are not in the combustion chamber and are assembled in that order inside the head.

Confused

stephanweaver · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 7:12 pm Post subject:

yes to change springs ect u will need to pull the head

just use a plyers to take off the old seals

X2 · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 11:56 pm Post subject:

De Dragon · Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 12:24 am Post subject:

X2's argument makes sense. Do not try to DIY if you haven't got the right tools or skill. Also don't take chain up from men who believe that to own a vehicle you have to be some super mechanic or something. After all is said and done their engine is not at stake. No harm in taking it to a good mech.

stephanweaver · Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 7:41 am Post subject:

pulling a head is as simple as chaiging brakes.

HondaB20B · Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 8:08 am Post subject:

stephanweaver · Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 8:09 am Post subject:

so what so hard about pulling a head b20?

the most difficult part is removing the intake manifold.

HondaB20B · Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 8:18 am Post subject: