I am currently rebuilding the head on my 94Ls Integra...18b1...
I do not want to damage anything by using excessive force. I am attempting to get the valve stem seals off and the guide I am reading says to use vice grips to take them off...I tried but I didn't squeeze them too hard for fear that I might break them...do I have heave on them with a tight grip(really tight) to get them off or should I just leave them on and clean the head and do the work on the head...any info would be helpful

thanks

 

u shouldnt need to grab them too tight... grab more towards the top... and twist it a little... iv never used vice-grips for valve seals but thats what i would do

 

I will definately try that...I have been grabbing them at the base...Overboost is where I got the info on how to remove the valve stem seal...it was on there head rebuilding article

 

Whats the proper way to remove and install them?
Anyone know what material they are made out of? and how much for a full set?

To me, it looks like they're made of a ceramic ..carbide. It could be the discoloration caused by heat. I hear that Brass guides are the best out there ..true?

 

well,its not brass,its bronze your talking about.the stock guides are made of cast iron which is very good for everyday use.I would assume bronze would be good for an engine that is used for only drag racing.But italso depends on the bronze alloy u use.Most of the time bronze is recommended only if you use stainless valves with chrome valve stems.

 

If you want to take off the valve stem seals, I think vise grip are ok if you dont go over board. Destroying that seal on removal is ok because you replace them once they're off.

If you want to take out the valve guide you need a hot plate or and oven and a punch, basically you need a professional. You need to take it to a maching shop anyway because you still need a valve job and surfacing the head would be nice. They will also check for cracks, and clean it when they're done.