cost of valve stem seals replacement V6 VR ???

[pecksterism99]

Just been quoted by two outfits a bit over $2,000 for valve stem seals replacement !!!

Seems a lot to me ... but is that the going rate?

BTW there are no other complications at all, just the seals are worn.

[neet_wagon]

You'd get a reco'd set of heads purchased, and fitted with change for that!
It'd probably be cheaper to do that. As JUST changing the valve stem seals is a far harder job than swapping a set of heads over.

[pecksterism99]

Well one outfit did say they didn't actually do the heads themselves - they send them out for reconditioning and reinstall.

Might try getting a few more quotes ...

[levymetal]

so i'm guessing your car runs rough, consumes oil, spark plugs get black quickly etc?

[westbad]

To get 2 heads reconditioned at the local engine re-conditioners near me (skim,acid dip, re-seat valves + seals) cost $500 and that came with gasket set for re-assembly.
Take the heads off your self drop them off at an engine joint get them reconditioned them refit your self, will save you heaps.

[hako]

To replace the valve stem seals will include parts - 12 X seals 2 X rocker cover gaskets. Cost about $30.
Heads are not removed to do this job as they use compressed air thru the sparkplug holes to hold the valves up. 3 hours labour should cover it so $400 would cover it easy at an honest mechanic.
However, you don't say if other work is needed.

[pecksterism99]

Thanks all for your (fast) advice. The problem is just or mainly with one cylinder - spark plug is fouling about every three weeks. After running smoothly, idle gets rough, then very rough then we're running on just 5. Typical oil-fouled plug too. But not blowing smoke, so rings probably OK and motor otherwise as smooth as a VR can be.

Just don't have the faciltiies to do this myself anymore ... will shop around.

[neet_wagon]

Just drive it...... The motor in my old berlina (before i bought it) had a seriesI in it that had been driving around on 5cylinders for months. Wasn't too bad. lol.

Shop around is your best bet. Stem-seals is an easier job than i first thought. (didn't think of compressed air)

[hako]

If it's just fouling one plug try a hotter range plug - these run hotter and burn any oil off and the best bit is that they cost only a few dollars as you only need one.

[admir87]

ive heard where ppl use the piston at TDC to hold the valve up, is this true?

[Pub247]

yes tdc might hold it from falling all the way out but you might not be able to pick it up again

[hako]

ive heard where ppl use the piston at TDC to hold the valve up, is this true?

Don't think that will work as you probably would not be able to compress the spring enough to put the retainers back on.....I've used a piece of 4mm rod bent to the right shape and shoved up the plug hole and a mate of mine put about 100 metres of VB cord into the plug hole then turned the engine by hand to force the piston and cord upwards to keep the valve up. Time consuming but it gets the job done.

[Brett_jjj]

Dont spend $2000 on valve seals,thats just rediculous.You can get a full reconditioned engine for an extra $500-$1000.Buy a Gregorys workshop manual and do it yourself.Its all step by step,too easy.There are some excellent ideas posted above to get the job done.And if you do have any trouble you got everyone here to suggest different things.