Valve Stem Seals
Discussion
My 95k 4.0 Serp has become smoky when cold, especially if left for a few weeks. It clears after a while so I'm thinking the valve stem seals need to be replaced.
Just hoping if I pop off the rocker shafts and replace them in situ, I would'nt need to re-do the pre-loads, and will I get away with just the valve seals and rocker cover gaskets?
I am aware of other issues that might arise like seat recession, but I just want to keep it going for another year or so until I can do a proper overhaul.
Any input appreciated.
Just hoping if I pop off the rocker shafts and replace them in situ, I would'nt need to re-do the pre-loads, and will I get away with just the valve seals and rocker cover gaskets?
I am aware of other issues that might arise like seat recession, but I just want to keep it going for another year or so until I can do a proper overhaul.
Any input appreciated.
Provided the motor is not turned fast enough during the job to build oil pressure and pump the lifters more than they are when the rockers are removed, should be fine to reinstall as is.
The stem seals are just about do-able with the heads in situ if you can work out a method of compressing the springs to get the collets and retainers out. I have done it using compressed air through the plug hole to hold the valves up; there are other dodges. The valves closest to the bulkhead are very tight to get to. On balance, having done it that way and 'properly' too, I'd pull the heads and invest the time (expecting to also have to sort other issues).
Before you dive in, probably worth ensuring all the breathers are clear (including the mushroom drilling). They can also be prone to over-oiling upstairs, especially if pattern rocker gear is fitted, and there are a number of mods to address this including restrictors in the oilways to limit flow. I wouldn't be too quick to assume the seals are u/s as some cars run happily enough without any
The stem seals are just about do-able with the heads in situ if you can work out a method of compressing the springs to get the collets and retainers out. I have done it using compressed air through the plug hole to hold the valves up; there are other dodges. The valves closest to the bulkhead are very tight to get to. On balance, having done it that way and 'properly' too, I'd pull the heads and invest the time (expecting to also have to sort other issues).
Before you dive in, probably worth ensuring all the breathers are clear (including the mushroom drilling). They can also be prone to over-oiling upstairs, especially if pattern rocker gear is fitted, and there are a number of mods to address this including restrictors in the oilways to limit flow. I wouldn't be too quick to assume the seals are u/s as some cars run happily enough without any
If it hasn't ever had a camshaft it could probably do with one of those as well! Mine done 70k and when rebuilt the camshaft was absolutely knackered...Don't you have to remove the head to do the seals? You have to compress the springs, maybe you have a good tool for it...I'd just whip the engine out and replace all the seals and gaskets in the engine, bring it back to life ... the crankshaft seal is always leaky....my bellhousing was more oiled up than miley cyrus. You can get a full engine gasket and seal kit from tvr power...up to you, otherwise a new set of stem seals should definitely sort out the smokey smokey!
... the crankshaft seal is always leaky....my bellhousing was more oiled up than miley cyrus. You can get a full engine gasket and seal kit from tvr power...up to you, otherwise a new set of stem seals should definitely sort out the smokey smokey!Thanks,
I was planning to use the rope method to hold the valves. I came across this thread in a search
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I will have a look at the breathers as you suggest before I do anything else.
I was planning to use the rope method to hold the valves. I came across this thread in a search
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I will have a look at the breathers as you suggest before I do anything else.
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