HOWTO: Valve Seals

From: Dale Olson (Dale_Olson at dell.com)

You probably need to replace the valve seals. It's a pain in the butt. But, if
you have access to air compressor it can be done at home. It's not the fix to
end all problems. First check to see if you need anything more done.

1) run a compression check. The lowest cylinder should be with in 10% of the
highest. Also compare your readings with stock engine specs.

2) Now run the compression test again. But, this time squirt some oil in the
test cylinder. If the compression goes up you probably need rings. If it stays
the same you probably need a valve job and valve seals won't fix either
condition.

To replace the valve seals do the following:

1) Decide on which type of seal you are going to use. stock/"O"ring
style/Teflon/umbrella/etc.

2) Get a spark plug hole adapter, air hose quick disconnect & a valve spring
compressor tool.

3) Put the car in neutral, block the wheels & disconnect the negative bat cable

4) Remove all the plugs and valve covers

5) Remove the intake & exhaust rockers, install the valve spring compressor
tool, squirt a bit of oil in the cylinder, bring the piston to TDC, install the
plug adapter & hook up the air. The piston SHOULD NOT move to the bottom of the
cylinder and you can now remove the valve spring locks (I use a magnet), valve
spring & valve seal.

Note - If the cylinder moves to the bottom you are not at TDC. You do not want
this to happen because if you loose air pressure and the valve does not have the
spring and locks on the valve will drop into the cylinder.

6) Replace the seal, spring & locks. Now repeat for the other valve on that
cylinder.

7) Remove the air and reinstall the rocker arms. Be sure to put them back on
the valve you took them off of. Don't try to adjust them now, just snug them up.

8) Then repeat for the other 7 cylinders.

9) After all the seals are done. Bring number 1 to top dead center and set the
valve lash on half the engine. Rotate the crank 360 degrees to top dead center
number 6 and set the other half. I don't have the exact order with me but it is
in just about any good repair book.

10) Reinstall the plugs and valve covers (new gaskets) and your done

originially from
Replacing Valve Seals on Mike Donovan's web site.