DIY valve job?

[dent]

has anyone done a valve job by themselves? Am at the point where i've done everything i can and looks like i need a valve job.
I've got a shop manual and read through it but if anyones done it any thoughts would be great.
Or should i just take it to a shop and let them have it?
take care
sam

 

[jmoore]

Are you a fairly decent wrench? What's the most complex job you've done on a car?

You'll need a good sized area, to pull it all apart and it's essential to keep it clean and in order. Also, a decent torque wrench is in necessary. I also found a digital camera handy, to remember how it all goes back together. It's not a difficult job, but pulling off all the intake takes awhile. Figure it this way. One weekend to pull it apart. A week for the heads at a machine shop and another weekend to put it together.

 

[Brad]

As far as the intakes go,would one have to pull the engine to replace a gasket or can I do it with it in? The dealer says I need a gasket on my 1999 d-II and I dont think I should have to pull it, am I wrong?
Thanks a bunch for any help. This site is a huge resource!!
TIA for any advice.

 

[jmoore]

Brad, do you mean the valley cover gasket?

 

[bell03disco2]

You should be able to change the valve cover gasket, and the intake gasket (if it has one between the two pieces) with out pulling the engine. The rear main seal may require an engine pull, but I have not worked on my rover except basic oil changes. I have worked on other cars, and was excited that I could change the oil pan gasket with ease. I tryed to change the oil pan gasket in my mustang while the engine was in and that was a nightmare.

 

[Andrew Homan]

Wouldn't think you have to pull the engine to do the valley gasket or the head gaskets. But I haven't done that job yet.

Cheers Andy 95 D1

 

[dent]

what parts do I need to order besides all the gaskets? Want to make sure I've got everything before I start.
As for what i've done. Done a head job on an old 76 t-bird but that engine was easy as there was no electronic and such. Plus it helps that i sit right beside the engine as there was plenty of space.
take care
sam

 

[WBDISCo]

Valve jobs are easy if you know how to follow directions.

Head Gasket set
Good Torque Wrench or Ange Meter
Patience
*New Head Bolts*

Brad

 

[ptschram]

On a DII, tiny hands are a necessity when removing the ignition coils. There is nowhere near enough room for adult sized hands.

 

[WBDISCo]

Paul,

I use a 1/4" ratchet set and a lot of extensions. If you put some 3M sticky caulk on the socket you won't drop the teeny weeny bolts.

Brad

 

[jcollett]

BRAD -- you can definetly do it without pulling the engine!

hey man -- BTW good to see another bluegrasser. what dealer are you going to? cinci or louisville? my D2 was at the dealer (knoxville) about 8 months ago for a water leak -- they replaced the intake gasket under warranty, did it in one day.

so you live in lex??

 

[p m]

If by valve job you mean replacing or reaming out the valve guides, it can be done in the garage, but better be left to the shop. Makes sense to take the head to the shop, to true it and lap the valves.
Taking the head off is an involved and lengthy deal, but perfectly DIY'able. Take care of the valley cover gasket when you put the intake back in - a tiny corner may fold back on itself, causing major vacuum leak that would take at least 3 hours to fix (guess how I know).

 

[Discosid]

I've been reading this thread for some time. I've never done a Valve job or head gasket in the V8. But I found some info that I think may interest. it item number 6. The cylinder head gasket. On this web site
http://www.landroverclub.net/Club/HTML/Overheating.htm

 

[manofsteel]

Another thing that you want to do is put a little silicone in the corners where the end seals go for the intake. Just a little dab will do but otherwise you will get an oil leak pretty quick.

 

[mhg9797]

I had a machine shop plane the heads and put the new valve guides and seals in. They charged me $75 for that, and of course you will need a head gasket kit, head bolts, and the seals and guides. It really isn't that complicated of a process, as long as you give yourself plenty of time.

 

[Brad]

jcollett, glad to see someone else in KY also.
The new Dealer in LEX claimed they would have to pull the motor to replace the intake gaskets. Glad to hear from the Group thats not right.
My D-II is a 1999 and my wife took it in for a check up and the next thing I know the dealer wanted to replace EVERYTHING that wasnt show room new. I use this thing and of course it has some wear, so I am now getting a list together and slowly working through what I know it needs... .general maintenance really.

Thanks again for the advice folks!