I am considering removing my head to have the guides done. I have an occasional puff of blue at start-up, no smoke at any other time. The motor has 110k miles on it. I replaced the valve stem seals about 5k ago and will first check to see if one of them has come loose before I remove the head.

When I removed the chain tensioner I found it to be in the first detent position suggesting the chain hasn't streched much. Looking at the chain guide of the tensioner it looks like brand new except for a small 1 thou deep groove about 2 inches long. See the pictures attached. I'm wondering if this is considered low wear or if I should replace these items? I don't want to remove the lower timing cover if I don't have to. To me it looks like the tensioner/chain had already been replaced.

Opinions?

Jorg

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That guide looks pretty good. the 103 is famous for long chain/guide life.
Mine has 175k and still going strong.
If there is still a reasonable amount of plastic below the groove, I would sure leave it alone for another 100k or so; thise guides are a hassle to replace.
If the chain makes no discernable noise, should be no problem.

On the other hand, my valve seals/guides in the head used oil after 20K miles. I finally re-did the head at 100k, after the gasket leaked, and no more oil consumption problems. you may find that just doing the seals will not fix it well, if the guides are worn.

DG