Thinking out loud about valve guides

[cruising]

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]

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]

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.

[Benz Dr.]

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.