Valve guide stem seals

[Tasmin24v]

I am converting my Tvr 400se to Lhd. The engine has not run in the meantime. (8 years) Is it advisable to replace the valve guide stem seals.
Can these be replaced without removing the cylinder head?

[President Merkin]

I'm not a TVR guy & don't know the engines but in general you can do it without removing the head but it's not ideal imo. The method is to keep the valves in place by using compressed air blown into the plug hole. I have also seen people feed rope into a cylinder to act as a physical barrier, stopping the valve from dropping into the cylinder but I wouldn't recommend it.

Personally, if I was going to this much trouble, I'd take the head off & use the opportuity to de carbon the valves, get them lapped in, clean up the head etc.

[BlueWedgy]

Valve oil seal replacement was shown on Wheeler Dealers I think Ant Anstead, could have been Ed my ole China.

Here is a similar version cut to about 9 mins in:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaX_hdQq5kU

As said if you are that far in may as well go the whole hog, unless you are after a quick summer fix.

On the other hand, if it aint broke don't fix it.
Check everything over first, if you are happy go for a start and see if it smokes

Edited by BlueWedgy on Thursday 13th April 08:10