common repairs when replacing lifters on 87 5000CSQT

[Ben Swann]

Although the job is not all that difficult if you have the proper tools, your oil consumption is not all that bad.  You might want to leave well enough alone.

The job can be done with the head on the car.  You need an air pressure source to keep the valves up while removeing the keepers.  You need to make sure the piston in the cylinder you are working on is at the top.  You don't want the valves to accidently drop down in when piston is down.  This procedure can actually be easier than doing it on a bench, because the air pressure is a good way to keep the valves up while removing the keepers.

Having the right tool(s) to depress the valve springs while removeing keepers makes the difference between the job being a breeze or a nightmare.  Also some bent long needlenose pliers and magnetic tool helps deal with those keepers that like to do whatever they feel like doing - which is the opposite of what you want them to do.

This procedure is covered well in Greg Raven's VW Performance and Tuning Handbook.

Ben


[Separate, but related question. I bought a set of valve stem seals that I
had planned on replacing when I did my lifters. My car does not smoke on
startup and burns under a quart in 3000 miles. I have read in the past
that removing the valve springs and keepers is a PITA. Anyone ever seen an
improvement? Should I bother?

-Kurt
'87 5kcstq]