replace valve stem seals

[bigbore2]

I would like to replace my valve stem seals.  If I pull the head off to do that, will I need a new cylinder head gasket?
Or can that be done without head removal?  1100 engine

[Pat Conlon]

I recall George (aka movinon) did a valve stem seal replacement without removing the head. He is a clever guy. He fabricated a special lever system to compress the valve springs so he could remove the retainer and release the springs for removal. You have to have a plan on keeping the valves from dropping  into the cylinder. Compressed air can do this or the old school hot rod trick of feeding a rope in the spark plug hole and raising the piston to press the rope against the valve faces.

George is the only forum member I know who did this. He took some pictures of this process so I hope he chimes in...

Most folks remove the cylinder head for ease of work. Might as well lap the valves while you can...

Yes, I would plan on a new head gasket.

Get the RPM Viton valve stem seals, better than oem: http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Head%3AVSS

Cheers   Pat

[racerrad8]

You may be able to get away with not changing the head gasket but for $50 it is not worth the risk of having to do the job twice, while risking the chance of blowing the head gasket and causing actual surface damage that will have to be machined out. You will also want to replace the copper washers on the oil galley head studs and the dowel seals while you are in there; to prevent any oil leaks. You should also check the timing chain tensioner while you have it out and replace the gasket as well.

1200 Cylinder Head Gasket
Copper Head Washer
Cylinder Head Dowel Seal
Tensioner Gasket

Robert

[bigbore2]

thats right, the compressed air trick.  I just could not think of it.  thanx, Pat

I just need to replace seals as engine is sucking a bit of oil and I am out of money currently.  If that doesn't kill most of the oil loss I see, I do plan on redoing the top end here:  rings, head, cylinder etc.  but next winter for that.   thanx Robert.

[racerrad8]

Here is the write up George did when he did his valve stem seals.

Valve stem seal change out

Randy - RPM

[movenon]

I have done it both ways and I would recommend you pull the head off.  Really, it isn't that hard and you can clean up the chambers along with cleaning up the valves and checking the seats.  Later when I pulled the head off I found an exhaust valve that would have caused a problem given enough time.  When I did it with the head on I was in a hurry and thought it would save some time.  It doesn't......  I would recommend you let Randy fix you up with a head gasket and seals.  I STRONGLY recommend his valve stem seals.  Also I have to mention it is a lot easier to adjust your valve clearances with the head off on a bench IMO. 
George