01 CRV that I just got and am trying to fix up. I got about 17 PSI of compression in cylinder 4 and a leak down test has air rushing out of the exhaust so I’m assuming I’m dealing with burnt valves. All other cylinders have great compression. And I don’t think any issues.

Right now my plan is to buy 2 new exhaust valves and replace them. I’ll want to do the intake, exhaust, and head gaskets and the timing belt/water pump while in there.

There is some good videos on pulling the head but I’m not sure if there is anything specific I need to know about removing and reinstalling the valves.

Any info on how that is done or what tests I need to do to make sure that the fix will work would be great! Basically anything that I wouldn’t know doing this for the first time.

 

There is probably more than one way to go about it and get good results.

What I have done in the past when I had burnt valves-

1) get the head off and cleaned up. rocker assembly/cam(s) out
2) leak check with rubbing alcohol in the ports.
3) replace damaged/burnt valves with new
4) lap in new valves and any that had minor leaks
5) re-do the leak check. should be bone dry at this point
6) thorough cleaning to prep for reassembly and install

there are tools you can buy for removal, but I usually just use a deep-well, 16mm socket with a magnetic pickup tool down the middle set on top of the valve spring retainer. Give the back of the socket a hit with a small hammer to release the keepers. the magnet will hold the keepers and the spring will pop free. then you can pull the valve down and out. You'll still need some sort of spring compressor to get it back together. C-clamp style is what you want to look for. What I use is an actual C-clamp modified to purpose.

I used basic lapping compound and one of those cheap lapping tools to spin the valve. just go until you see an even ring around the mating surface of both the valve and the seat.

 

Likely due for valve guides. I would ship the head to the machine shop for a full work up. New guides, new valves, and a fresh valve job.

 

This is very good. I didn’t even know what valve lapping was. Good think I came here first. The car just rolled over 150k yesterday and the other cylinders seem to be doing fine so I’m hoping to get away with just replacing valves on cylinder 4. Is that a good idea or should I replace them all?

I’m working on a college budget so I want to do what’s needed to keep the engine in good health but I don’t a have a ton of money to throw at it for preventative maintenance.