Reseat valves or not??

[mraitch]

So, working on red roadster - having head checked/decked if neessary. Does it make sense to take out the valves, clean them up and 'reseat' them??

I don't have to pull them for the surfacing, but I am just in the 'since I am there' though I don't want to expend additional energy.

[spl310]

Check to see if they leak and let that be your guide.

[JT68]

Suggest you have the shop check them out. Even if all valves seal, there are probably a few worn guides or stems. (The old iron guides were not even 100k metalurgy). Even if you are lucky and there is nothing worn, the seals are almost certainly tired and should be replaced-when could it ever be easier?

You didn't mention the year of the head- the early heads have seals that are basically useless (o-rings), Later seals are much improved.

If early, you will want to update the seals unless you don't mind blue smoke and oil consumption.

[fj20spl311]

+1 to have them done.

[mraitch]

Does $395 for new guides and surfacing head sound excessive, or is that just what is so??

I didn't want to spend any 'mechanical' money on the red car, but that is what this seems to be happening!

[redroadster]

What was the problem with it. ?
Guess you have pulled it , did you take cold compression tests ?
Vacuum readings.? if weak cly I'd do the snap throttle test

[mraitch]

What was the problem with it. ?
Guess you have pulled it , did you take cold compression tests ?
Vacuum readings.? if weak cly I'd do the snap throttle test

already pulled. initial concern was because it had overheated - best to 'flatten' it.

never having to have this done before - just querying whether the cost is appropriate - or close enough.

[notoptoy]

If the machinist is installing 8 new guides and surfacing the head, figure that is something like $40 a guide plus $75 for surfacing, that doesn't sound unreasonable to me. I have not had head work done in a long time, so can't advise as to comparison with other shops.

[mraitch]

Fair enough - more than I expected to spend on this car, but if within 'guidelines' just happy to get it done and get past it.

Thanks.

[keith0alan]

Since the head is off better to get it done properly and totally go through it. Otherwise you will be taking it off again sooner than you would like.

[redroadster]

Check to see if the pistons moved free in the cylinders ( to see if rings are siezed)
Easier to do with the fake cam stand though -2L
I used GM top eng cleaner on the sides to clean out carbon in the rings

[spyder]

So, working on red roadster - having head checked/decked if neessary. Does it make sense to take out the valves, clean them up and 'reseat' them??

I don't have to pull them for the surfacing, but I am just in the 'since I am there' though I don't want to expend additional energy.

Is the head warped? If you resurface it you build in the warp and this can negatively affect chain slack, valve timing and unequal combustion chambers. If it is warped, I think your best choice is to have the head straightened which involves heating it and the need for new valve seats, which gives you the opportunity to install hardened seats for today's unleaded gas.

[nismou20]

Pete, Does the $395 include the seats? If so I’d say yeah, and get new Sombrero Valve seals!

[mraitch]

Tom, includes the seats, but NOT the seals. Looking more like 450 + gasket,studs etc, etc. Guess I'll end up around $700 when all said and done!!