I'm replacing the head gasket on '99 F23A1 with 230k and would like to replace the stem seals. Is it difficult to remove and install the seals? Should I bother to buy one of the seal removal tools? I've read a few posts that the tool doesn't work, but needle nose vice grips might do it. The replacement seals look like they would crush easily if applying the force required to twist them with pliers.

Is it possible to remove the head without disconnecting the exhaust manifold from the pipe which looks like a real PITA? Any tips are appreciated.

 

On the head that I had, someone had pulled off a couple of the seals and presumably gave up on the rest. In the process they chewed up the guides, and they required a machinists touch to clean them up. I went about pulling the rest of the seals off with needle nose pliers, and found out why the previous owner gave up...they are a pain in the **** to get off that way.

I can't comment on one of those special tools, as I've never used one. I'd imagine it would take the same force, but you wouldn't run the risk of the pliers slipping off and screwing something up.

If you use pliers, avoid the temptation to try and grip the seal from the inside. This is what I think the previous owner did to my head, and chewed up the guides.

To install the seals, they should slip over the top of the guide, and pop on with a tap of a socket or punch, to make it "click" into place. No twisting.

 

Thanks for the info. How did you remove the springs? I've read that the Autozone/Harbor freight spring compressors are too big for the cramped spacing. This is likely the one time in my lifetime I'll be removing springs from an Accord and really don't want to buy an expensive tool if I can avoid it.

 

even with access to a removal/install tool (made one myself) i still use the "magnet and socket" method. it goes like this. 3/8" deep well socket with an outer diameter similar to the spring/retainter (I think i normally use a 15mm socket) fitted over a magnetic pickup tool stuck the the top of the valve stem. give the top of the socket a firm, precise blow with a hammer until the spring releases. the retainer keepers will be stuck to the magnet and you can lift off the spring and retainer.

there are tool renting websites/services that can provide you access to the tools for cheap. some auto parts stores will also loan out specialty tools.