Author Topic: Thinking out loud about valve guides  (Read 3090 times)

cruising

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Thinking out loud about valve guides
« on: September 21, 2015, 18:21:53 »
If my 1967 230 has had about 20 miles driven in 6 years wouldn't it make sense that the valve stems would be brittle/broken but the guides would be fine? I called the mechanic to get a quote to have valve stems seals replaced. He said I was wasting my time unless I checked the valve guides too (much more expensive). What do y'all think?

stickandrudderman

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Re: Thinking out loud about valve guides
« Reply #1 on: September 21, 2015, 22:25:20 »
The valve guides can be checked during the relatively simple valve seal replacement. At such low useage you might as well just fit the new seals, they'll work for a few hundred miles even if the guides are worn.

twistedtree

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Re: Thinking out loud about valve guides
« Reply #2 on: September 22, 2015, 00:52:00 »
I assume you mean the valve stem seals, right?  Is there some symptom that makes you think they are leaking?  Unless you are tearing down the head anyway, I wouldn't mess with them unless you are having a problem.
Peter Hayden
1964 MB 230SL
1970 MB 280SL
2011 BMW 550xi

Benz Dr.

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Re: Thinking out loud about valve guides
« Reply #3 on: September 22, 2015, 15:15:54 »
The valve guides can be checked during the relatively simple valve seal replacement. At such low useage you might as well just fit the new seals, they'll work for a few hundred miles even if the guides are worn.

Seems like an efficient use of time and resources.  ;)
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC