My Kingdom for a valve spring compressor!

[karl]

OK, stupid question time..

Is there some trick to removing the valve oil seals?

Clymer doesn't say anything about it, just mentions "install bottom spring retainers and new seals" during valve installation.

I can grip them with pliers, but they won't budge (the retaining spring at the top came off one of them, but that's it.) One of them is now an oval, from me squeezing the pliers too hard, but it's still in there.

Is this normal, or am I being totally dense here?

[Pat Kelly]

Grab and wiggle with pliers, that's what I did. Kind of tough but they'll come out. If you're replacing them then you don't have to worry about ruining them.

[79XS11F]

The valve stem seals kind of "pop" on to the end of the valve guides. to remove the old ones just grab them with pliers and pull them offwith a little twisting action. The new ones likely already have the small springs on them so just push the new ones on to the ends of the guides with you fingers. Do not distort them. Push straight down until they are fully seated. When you reassemble be sure to use assembly grease or assembly oil on the valve stems, bucket walls cam bearing etc. Make sure you put the springs in as per the manual. they are not coiled the same at both ends and the direction of the coils is reversed from out to inner spring. Check the manual for details about the springs and reassemble with care.
Rob

[Dennyz]

if you have a big ass compressor, the seals can be changed without removing the head.

[karl]

Thanks again.

Got them off - good thing they're being replaced because they're completely toast now

Another stupid question - Clymer says that to check the valves for play, but doesn't say how much is acceptable (just says 'small amount') the intake has almost none, but the exhaust has about 1/2mm (maybe less).. is this OK, or do I need to replace the guide?

[mro]

Check page 56

mro

[mro]

re-read your post

Unusual for valve gudes to wear on this type of head but $hit can happen.
.5 mm would seem XSive
Will check in my factory manual if there is a spec, but don't recall seeing one.


mro

[mro]

found it

7.10mm is the ID wear limit for the valve guide.

Valve stem clearance
intake .020 to .041 mm
exhaust .035 to .059 mm

Sounds like yours should be OK


mro