I pulled the head yesterday and low and behold look what I found wrong with cylinder 2 in the head (pics below). Im incredibly happy it was nothing with the bottom end. I just had a couple quick q's, wanted to know how my pistons and combustion chambers look, normal for a 130k engine? Is the carbon buildup on the pistons + chambers a common amount? How should I go about cleaning both off? I do not have access to a dremel or anything so I would like ways to do it with hand tools also. And lastly, which parts should I order for the new valve, just a valve and seal? Thanks for all the help in advance guys, you always help me out of sticky situations.

 

I guess the real question is, what do I need to do to replace the valve? My friend said it needs to be machined regardless and its a huge process, but since I only need the car for another ~6 months, and since im not too concerned about it not seating PERFECTLY, couldnt I just pull it out and put a new one in and just lap it? If so, does anyone mind giving me a quick how-to on this? Thanks!

 

I went the cheap route on a burnt valve since the car wasnt even mine at the time. (Friend of mine said, if you can fix it go for it.) Just replaced the valve. Didnt lap it. Perfect compression across all four.

 

you could probably get away with getting new valves and just laping them, but check the seat of the valve

 

use overn cleaner to clean it!

 

Alright, thanks, so just grab a new valve, guide, seal and lap it, throw it in, and keep my fingers crossed and I might just get away with it?

Is there any way to replace the seal with conventional tools or must i get a spring compressor for it? Id rather not buy one for this onetime only thing.

And also for the over cleaner, Ive heard of using that...is it safe to use a brillo pad or do i need to use a wire brush?

Thanks so far for the help guys, appreciate it.

 

yea, just get the cheapo brillos...the ones without soap in them already, and you'll be fine

 

See that bolt to the left of your dip stick tube? Take it off. That'll drain the coolant in the water jackets.