I have bad valve seals on my 86 2.5l. Can someone give me step by step instructions on how to do the "rope trick" to change these seals? Also what is the tool called that I need to get to do this? About how long will it take me to do? I am replacing the Alternator, EGR valve and Starter/soleniod today...can I fit in the valve seals today?

Thanks All

for the rope trick you pull the plug and than shove thick rope in the hole till you can't put any more and make sure there is a tail to grab.you will need a valve spring compresser (the cheap ones look like a bent bar of steel in the shape of a L )unbolt the rocker arm than bolt the spring compresser on than rocker stud and pull down to pull spring down.pull off the retainer(if they won't come off that happens hit with a hammer NOT A SUPERMAN HIT) that are on the valves they look like a washer with a trinagle upside(that is the retainer) that has two sides with the valve down there is no pressure on the retainer try to split the two half don't let the half get away from you. than just put on the seals and than just compress the spring put the washer and retainer back on.MAKE SURE THE SAME WASHER AND RETAINER GO BACK ON THE SAME VALVE.

hi i may be going out on a limb here.. but if your seals are worn that also indicates wear in valve train and head area. it might be better to just replace the head, either take yours to a machine shop and let them rebuild it or just get a rebuilt and install it. but if you just like to work on your engine then go for it!!..good luck..let us know the results..

Well, I did not get to the valve seals as it took me forever to change out the Alternator. I got the new EGR valve in and that helped a bit with the richness of the exhaust...but not a whole lot, so should I be thinking timing? And how do I know if my timing marks are correct? I also had a high idle (2000rpm steady)at stop...after reading numerous posts on PFF I did indeed find a vacuum leak...with a quick temp. fix of electrical tape she began running just fine. I'll replace the hoses this week. As for the Starter and solenoid...how long do you think this will take me to install? Any help is appreciated! Thanks guys!

Craig

The seals can be replaced without removing the head by using a fitting to put compressed air into the spark plug hole to hold the valve up. A respectable manual will tell you how to do this.

However on an Iron Duke I wonder if it wouldn't be better to go ahead and remove the head. You can then also check the valve guides for play which may be the cause of failed seals. I'd allow a week to do this as you may need to get it through a machine shop or guide work and valve lap or grind

Okay, now where could I find a new head and how much am I looking at spending? Is that simply a bolt on item?

I actually priced a replacement head at pep boys for $250 plus a core of something a bit over $100. Don't remember exactly how much, but it doesn't matter 'cause you get it back anyway. Of course you still have to get gaskets and new bolts on top of that, but I don't think they would add up to all that much; and yes it would be pretty much bolt on. Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into though, replaceing a head is not the most trivial of projects

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'86 Coupe 5 speed, little duke motor, but big on fun!

quote Originally posted by sanderson: However on an Iron Duke I wonder if it wouldn't be better to go ahead and remove the head. You can then also check the valve guides for play which may be the cause of failed seals. I'd allow a week to do this as you may need to get it through a machine shop or guide work and valve lap or grind

you can check the valve guilde on the car too. if you measure the play at the valve when you try to more them. i have had the seal go out a lot more than the guildes.the rubber they use doesn't handle the valve slidding up and down as well as the metal guildes. if you are looking to help your smoking i would just change the seals about a short day to do and you will most likly be happy if it runs fine beside the smoke .I WILL BUY CARS FOR UNDER A $100.00 BECAUSE THEY SMOKE VERY BAD AND CHANGE THE SEAL AND DRIVE THE SNOT OUT OF THEM OR SELL THEM FOR A GOOD PROFIT