Valve seals

[zook]

Well, looks like my Valve seals are going. I'm getting some blue smoke only after idling for 5 minutes, and it goes away once I drive for about 10 seconds. This will be my first time ripping the head off a DSM....soooo.. is there anything anyone can suggest for me to do while I'm in there?? It's a 91 TSI AWD. What kind of gaskets (brands) should I stay away from? Being a Turbo, should I get the Mitsu head gasket??

All right, starting next weekend!

Thanks

 

[Defiant]

If the rest of the motor's healty, you may want to consider doing the guide seals with the head on the motor, saving the head gasket and all from being disturbed. It's not a horrible task.

 

[oldman]

It could be valve seals but doesn't have to be, it's a pita job, cost aside, so I suggest not to jump into conclusions so quickly. Have you check the pcv valve yet? Have you done a dry and wet compression test? You can also double check the intake and exhaust ports for signs of seal leakage.

 

[Mist3r Spool]

It could be valve seals but doesn't have to be, it's a pita job, cost aside, so I suggest not to jump into conclusions so quickly. Have you check the pcv valve yet? Have you done a dry and wet compression test? You can also double check the intake and exhaust ports for signs of seal leakage.

I had to change my PCV valve because it was pulling a lot of oil thus a pretty decent cloud of blue smoke. I'd check that first...who knows a $3 part may be all you need to change.

 

[zook]

Ok, so if I leave the head on, how would I stop the valves from just sliding down into the cylinder???

 

[bojanglesracing]

they make a tool to put compresser air to a cylinder when it is at tdc to keep valves from falling down

 

[zook]

Sweet! I thought so, just wanted to confirm that! Well, this won't be so bad then, the vavle seals are like 1.50 a piece and then I geuss the vavle cover gasket.

On another note, I am looking at a Pocketlogger on Ebay, I found one from a guy who says he's on this list, can't remember his name right now.... I think it's 75 with a Palm ....

 

[Defiant]

Ok, so if I leave the head on, how would I stop the valves from just sliding down into the cylinder???

Rope in the cylinder.

 

[psychlow]

OK - what I want to know is, has anyone yet found a valve spring compressor that works on DSMs with the head on the car and that doesn't cost $200+?

Last I've seen, you can make a compressor that works with the head off, but not on... has anyone found a way around this?

 

[bojanglesracing]

Rope in the cylinder.

how do you do that?

 

[Defiant]

how do you do that?

Get some nice soft ¼" rope, pull the spark plugs, lower the piston, feed in the rope, raise the piston.

 

[Ivancho]

I did the rope trick and it worked fine for ALL the valves except for one which. . . . . . somehow fell in. t didn't fall in all the way but it slid down the valve guide far enough to where I can't grab it w/ anything. The tail end of the stem is about half way down the guide. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I might be able to do to pull it out? ### otherwise I guess I'll have to pull the head. Any advice is greatly appreciatied. Thanks!

 

[Polyol]

A pen magnet

 

[dsmfa9nutter]

A very strong magnet.

 

[Defiant]

Piece of coat hanger wire through the spark plug hole. You should be able to snag the edge of the valve and lift it up. Spray some WD-40 down the valve guide.

 

[boopy D]

what are you guys using to compress the springs with when using the rope in the cylinders

 

[Polyol]

4g63 valve compressor - Google Product Search

This is the one I have.