engine and drivetrain Valve Stem Seal Inspection

[Andy74tii]

Well all summer during the driving season, I seem to be experiencing some classic symptoms of valve stem seal failure. I tried the typical additives -- with the exception of the Lucas Oil additive that Esty recommends; may try that as a last shot. Interestingly, this engine was completely rebuilt by the late Mike Perkins down in Houston in about 2001, and my receipts indicate he did use the late style guides and seals. I now have about 68,000 miles in about 12 years on it.

Is there any way to get a visual on the condition of the seals without taking the head off and disassembling the valve train? Has anyone had the opportunity to do that?

Thanks,

Andy74tii

[dbmw2002]

The nose knows, wind er up to about 55 k, runner there for a few spirited miles, dump er in turd and let go of the throttle, the only inspection will be of the kleenex after u blow your nose, did she really stink that bad? Or i didnt notice a bit of aroma, this is good, alot easier than tryin to inspect said seals

[TobyB]

No, the inspection procedure is to remove them and look at the trash can while you're throwing them in there.

 

Which is really a head- off job.  Do a compression and leak- down just to check on your rings-

ring seal degradation  can show similar symptoms.  

 

Then it turns into a 'how much do you care'? question- the seals can leak a bit for ages, and it doesn't 

seem to bother the engine nearly as much as it does the tailgaiters.....

 

t

[GoFaSSter]

The only time I feel bad for the tailgaters is on the 2002 cruises. I hate smoking out fellow brothers...

[dbmw2002]

Toby,  And if they are good?

[TobyB]

then the new ones you just put on don't solve the smoke problem.  

 

But more importantly, you find that the valve guides have given it up.  Again.

 

Because they don't last all that long.

 

t

[Andy74tii]

Thanks Toby, you've confirmed my winter plans then. I have looked long and hard, and there's no way I can see anything in there without the disassembly. I figure if I'm going to take it off, might as well do the guides also.

Thanks,

Andy

[c.d.iesel]

..."is there any way

to get a visual on the condition

of the seals without taking the head off

and disassembling the valve train? = NO

 

oil consumption test yes

smoking during off-throttle deaccel from high rpm yes

oil deposits on spark plugs yes

[kbmb02]

..."is there any way

to get a visual on the condition

of the seals without taking the head off

and disassembling the valve train? = NO

 

oil consumption test yes

smoking during off-throttle deaccel from high rpm yes

oil deposits on spark plugs yes

 

+1

[Djthom]

While fixing an oil pump issue I found the remnants of 2 valve seals in my oil pan (2 small retainer springs and bits of green seal). This is on a newly rebuilt head and I dont feel like pulling apart just as driving season starts if I don't have to.  Besides some smoke, is there any issue with waiting?   My 911 doesn't have exhaust valve seals, the builder I used there leaves them out for longevity.  Smokes on startup but clears up quick enough. 

[Hans]

But coming back to the suggestion above, are we sure its the seals?