Changing valve guides 455

Discussion in 'Street/strip 400/430/455' started by josehf34, Nov 4, 2018.

  1. Stevem

    Stevem Well-Known Member

    Have you put valves from the better fitting guides into the bad fitting ones to see if things change?
     
  2. josehf34

    josehf34 Well-Known Member

    I didn't but if I'm right the valves should be used in the same valve seat when they were working to match the wear of the valve and seat so, even In the case that the valve fits better in the guide I think it shouldn't be used on that place

    I already talked with the machine shop and I'm going to replace all guides from the head that had lubrication issues, they're going to charge me $80 including seat cut and head assembly, I though the price was going to be higher due to is a Buick engine and Buicks are "rare" cars here. I just have to wait until Rockauto deliver the new valves and guides and will be posting the results
     
  3. 87GN_70GS

    87GN_70GS Well-Known Member

    How do you know it's not the valve stems that are worn?
     
  4. josehf34

    josehf34 Well-Known Member

    I'm not sure but anyway the valve guides that have more play will also have new valves so both issues will be fixed
     
  5. Schurkey

    Schurkey Silver Level contributor

    At least some of those guides have been repaired with inserts. Installing inserts is not for the faint-of-heart. I'm glad you're having it checked-out and the work done by a professional. While you're there, have them check both heads.

    You may need some valves but not all, you may need all the valves replaced. The seats will need to be concentric with the guides, which probably means at least a clean-up cut on the valve seats. If valves are re-used, they may require a clean-up cut on the faces (or maybe not.) The stems could be worn.

    Buick valves can be goofy, due to the way the valve keepers mate to the valve. You change valves, you MIGHT need to change keepers.

    For the record, you can "lap" valves and make them seal...for awhile. "Sealing" does not guarantee longevity, although lack of sealing guarantees premature failure.
     
    Kingfish likes this.

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