Re: valve job on my 22nd series 8cyl.

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2009/5/8 8:49:39

I'd guess they don't sell "kits" because you never know what you'll need, other than a valve-grind gasket set, until you diassenble and assess the condition. You may or may not need valves, or springs, or guides, or lifters, or keepers, etc. Maybe even seat inserts (a machine shop job). But I believe that any and all required parts are available. If you need to change the guides, it can be a challenging task with the block in the car. The job can be done with the manifolds on the engine, though it makes it easier if they are removed. Access other than from above is via the right front inner fender. Don't forget to plug the oil return holes in the valve chambers or more surely than not one or more of the valve keepers will fall thru into the oil pan. No matter which vendor you buy valves from (unless they're OEM), they'll almost certainly be made by Egge.

If you're not familiar with valve work on this type of engine, I'd suggest you read up thoroughly on the subject before getting started, there are often many decisions to be made along the way and experience is the best teacher to making these decisions. Send me a PM with your email if you'd like a copy of a little primer on valve work that I had published recently. It's not a step-by-step, just some commentary on things to consider.

The tools you'll need depend on how much of the valve train requires service. At the least you'll need a torque wrench (for retorquing the head), a valve spring compressor, and valve-grinding compound and one of the many types of tools to lap the valve and seat. Better would be to have the valves (assuming enough metal margin is left) resurfaced by a machine shop, and borrow a power seat refacer (if the guides are not excessively worn). If you need to change the guides, you'll need a drift to pound them down and a chisel to break them off unless you first remove the cam and lifters. It may also make sense at the same time to take a look at the timing chain/sprockets.