Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: cruising on September 21, 2015, 18:21:53

Title: Thinking out loud about valve guides
Post by: cruising on September 21, 2015, 18:21:53

If my 1967 230 has had about 20 miles driven in 6 years wouldn't it make sense that the valve stems would be brittle/broken but the guides would be fine? I called the mechanic to get a quote to have valve stems seals replaced. He said I was wasting my time unless I checked the valve guides too (much more expensive). What do y'all think?

Title: Re: Thinking out loud about valve guides
Post by: stickandrudderman on September 21, 2015, 22:25:20

The valve guides can be checked during the relatively simple valve seal replacement. At such low useage you might as well just fit the new seals, they'll work for a few hundred miles even if the guides are worn.

Title: Re: Thinking out loud about valve guides
Post by: twistedtree on September 22, 2015, 00:52:00

I assume you mean the valve stem seals, right?  Is there some symptom that makes you think they are leaking?  Unless you are tearing down the head anyway, I wouldn't mess with them unless you are having a problem.

Title: Re: Thinking out loud about valve guides
Post by: Benz Dr. on September 22, 2015, 15:15:54

Quote from: stickandrudderman on September 21, 2015, 22:25:20

The valve guides can be checked during the relatively simple valve seal replacement. At such low useage you might as well just fit the new seals, they'll work for a few hundred miles even if the guides are worn.

Seems like an efficient use of time and resources.  ;)