Valve job value??

davew833 · #1 11-14-2005, 05:29 PM

So I've got the heads off my '92 Pearl to replace the head gaskets. The local dealer talks me into buying the whole engine gasket kit, since it's got all the necessary seals at about the same price as just the head gaskets, valve cover gaskets, and cam seals. (BTW: Dealer was willing to beat Subaruparts.com's price with shipping.) Now since the car wasn't using any oil, I was just going to surface the heads, replace the gaskets, and call it good, but I've got all of these valve stem seals and things and I was wondering if it might be a good idea to get a valve job anyway since the heads are off. The cost of the machine work/seal installation is about $300 extra. My concern is that if do a valve job, my piston rings or bottom end will go out soon after. The engine has 160k miles. Any suggestions?

Earthworm · #2 11-14-2005, 06:46 PM

If you can afford/justify it then do it. Do you have any reason to believe the valve seals need to be replaced?

How confident are you of the person that would be doing the work for you?

davew833 · #3 11-14-2005, 06:55 PM

No, I have no reason to believe the valve stem seals need to be replaced. The machine shop I would use was recommended by a family friend who owns a Honda/Acura repair shop.

SilverSpear · #4 11-15-2005, 01:56 AM

if you are gonna do the heads, do also the bottom (rings...) it never works out for the engine if you do heads alone. in two weeks, you will need to overhaul the bottom again. The other way around only holds true, but you have to replace cam seals in the head only.

oab_au · #5 11-15-2005, 04:04 PM

You will have to pull them down, so I would rebuild them with new springs and seals. Won't affect the rest of the engine.

Harvey.

SilverSpear · #6 11-15-2005, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oab_au

Won't affect the rest of the engine.

Harvey I really respect you as an excellent member of this forum and THE MOST technically and mechanically informed but... on how much you wanna bet that if he does the heads alone, the engine bottom will get F***d up?

Come on he has a high mileage engine!!

oab_au · #7 11-15-2005, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverSpear

Harvey I really respect you as an excellent member of this forum and THE MOST technically and mechanically informed but... on how much you wanna bet that if he does the heads alone, the engine bottom will get F***d up?

Come on he has a high mileage engine!!

Your a nice bloke too Danny

, but 50 years experience and $100 says it won't happen.

Harvey.

SilverSpear · #8 11-16-2005, 01:15 AM

Is that $100 Australian, Canadian or US ??

oab_au · #9 11-16-2005, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverSpear

Is that $100 Australian, Canadian or US ??

Genuine Ozzie, Micky Mouse Dollars. Worth $72 US, but worth a lot more now, that we qualified for the World Cup, last night

Harvey

davew833 · #10 11-16-2005, 04:36 PM

Does this mean I have to have the valve job done so you guys can settle your bet? Who's going to chip in for financing that?

SilverSpear · #11 11-16-2005, 05:25 PM

I keep my word of honor, that's from my part. Good luck Dave with the Heads alone..

oab_au · #12 11-16-2005, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davew833

Does this mean I have to have the valve job done so you guys can settle your bet? Who's going to chip in for financing that?

Well Dave you, of course

If you are going to get the heads faced, you will have to remove the cams and valves first. I dont think the valves or seats will need facing, as they are very durable, just a clean up. When you rebuild them, give the lifters a wash out, fit the new seals, and new springs, as they do loose tension over time, and its easier to do it then.

Harvey.