Changing Oil valve stem seals

[Antstarr]

Is it possible to change these without taking the head off?

What kind of approxiamate cost is it for the labour at a garage? I heard the labour itself is expensive but the part is cheap.

[BenF]

Not done this on a Mk2 - but on a Mk1 in theory it could be done but it would be a massive PITA as the valve stems are there, and you've done nearly the same work as to take the head off.

Why do you need to replace them? Unless you've cooked your engine they should be fine.

[Bender Unit]

Yes you can - there is a tool made by blue point / snap on that allows you to remove the valve train with the head still in place. Cant remember its exact name though.

You still have to pull the cams / valve train but does save the issues around pulling the whole head.

Works on the basis that you pull the cams - all your valves shut. Working 1 cylinder at a time you wind the piston up roughly halfway the bore, thread some thin rope down inside the bore (secure the other end so you dont loose it) then wind the piston to the top (or as far as it goes) this should now mean that the rope is trapped between the valves and the pistons - meaning you can now strip the valve train without dropping a valve down into the cylinder. T

he special tool also means you dont need a valve spring compressor.

[-:[KM]:-]

This one...?

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp ... k&tool=all

[Leakie Tbar]

quite easy tbh

I would suggest you presureise the bore first using a spark plug adapter, keeps the valve up in closed position,

lie some towel around the head cover the oil ways and rest of the head up

then get a socket and extension (put some grease on theinside of the socket) and tap the valves with a hammer the valves will jump be carefull these buggers will fly all over,

then remove the stem seals with a pair long nose pliers,

bing bang bosh

[Bender Unit]

Yep that's the tool. Saves losing collets / retainers in the engine.