cactusfarmer

As I get ready to replace my timing chain, which according to my Haynes manual requires removing the cylinder head, I'm trying to decide if I should go ahead and drop the head at the local machine shop for a valve job while I have it off. I've got 108,000 miles on the engine but the top side the head looks pretty good to me. I haven't pulled it off yet so I have no idea what the other side looks like yet.

My local machine shop says for $60 they'll do a complete value job and return it back to me in a couple of days. (that price is of course is if they don't have to replace any valves.) But, if the valves look pretty good, would it be worth anyway to go ahead and get it, since I've got the head off anyway? Or, would is it just a waste of money? Any thoughts?
Thanks...Tony

q_edwards

Here I am again with more useful or useless information. An easy (maybe not the most effective) way to see if your valves and head are okay is to flip it over once you've got it off and pour some water into the combustion chambers in the head (where the valves are at). This will tell you whether or not you're valves are sealing properly. If any water drains past the valves then you probably want to get a valve job. Since you've got the head off and if you have the time to have your car down it might be worth the $60 to get the valve job done. Any better advice out there?

cactusfarmer

I wouldn't call it useless information, that's just the kind of little tips I'm needing.