RE: Valve Guide seals and spring compressors

["Perry, Christopher" <cperry@cotl.com>]

Mark, I have done this job on my 4cyl 4ks.  Basically a simple job.  I
used an air compressor fitted to the spark plug hole to keep the valves
closed while I removed the keepers. This saved me from having to remove
the head.  You will, of course, have to remove the cam shaft, which
means some timing belt fun.  I was able to perform this procedure
without fully removing the timing belt or lower timing belt cover.  I'm
not sure this would work on the I5 because of the water pump.  This is
also an opportune time to replace any lifters since you will have to
remove them to get at the seals. 

As far as spring compressors go, you can purchase one for approx.
$150.00 USD but I made one from a 4 foot piece of  steel rod, some 1/2
inch flat steel pieces and a 6 inch by 1 1/4 inch steel pipe.  I had
help from my father-in-law with the fabrication - he has a well supplied
metalshop.

Another BTDT, don't try using a regular flat-blade screwdriver to remove
the seals.  You can purchase a seal extractor for around $30.00 USD but
I got some very long-nosed pliers for 10.00 USD at Tool Town that are
angled at about 30 degrees.   I think these will work quite nicely with
slight modification.

I think the whole job took about 4 hours - this was the first time I did
it.

If you have any further questions let me know.

Hope that helps
chris perry

>-----Original Message-----
>From:	Mark Pollan [SMTP:Mark.POLLAN@MCI.COM]
>Sent:	Monday, December 22, 1997 8:54 AM
>To:	quattro
>Subject:	Valve Guide seals and spring compressors
>
>Hi:
>
>I'm getting a nice blue puff at startup.  I have the seals but am looking
>for some BTDTs as well as recommendations for valve spring compressor.
>
>TIA,
>
>Mark Pollan, '86 5KCSTQ 244K Miles
>
>P.S.  I replaced my injectors but still have a warm start prob.  I'll
>be replacing the check valve shortly.