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Originally Posted by ezrider
Can someone please comment on the advisability of replacing the valve guides and stem seals (to maybe stop some of my oil consumption) while the head is off to do the gasket job (provided the compression test is good and everything else on the head looks ok)?
What's a best guess on what replacing guides and seals might cost (I forgot to ask the dealer today)?
Thank you.
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to make with my car when the head gasket began leaking last August at 204K although the situation was a bit different. I had oil intrusion into the cooling system so the possibility of a damaged head came into play. Nevertheless, the car was in otherwise wonderful condition so I decided to invest what was needed hoping the head was salvagable. Its a calculated risk not knowing what will be found but you could easily be surprised (the bent rod syndrome isn't universal).
I had a very good indie do the work and he instructed the machine shop to proceed deliberately (magna-flux), evaluate and recommend. The head conditioning included a minimal surface plane, new valve inserts and seals. The valves and seats only required some grinding to clean up. Not bad and fully expected at 200K miles!
The repair cost about $2200 out the door including all the ancillary items like oil change, cooling flush, engine degrease, belts, etc. I've since put about 10K miles on with no problems and use about 25% of a quart between changes, always at the point of change or 3K miles.
So, if you enjoy the car and feel there is value in the investment, go do it...