:
: Valve seals, not really too big of a deal. I
: rarely would replace the seals w/o resizing
: the valve guides. You'd have to pull the
: head to do that. With an oil leak, you'll
: notice the engine smoking when you let off
: the throttle (while driving). With oil at a
: buck a quart, I really wouldn't worry about
: it until it got messy and started fouling
: plugs and such. A "puff" on
: startup could be almost anything.
:
: If you really want to replace the seals...MP
: viton valve seals are PN P4120492. This is a
: pack of 16, so you get some extras in the
: deal. There are two sizes in the pack. the
: short one goes on the exhaust.
:
: To replace the seals, you'll need to pull the
: valve springs. NAPA will sell you an
: inexpensive valve spring compressor for
: about $30 or 40. Pull the valve cover (new
: gasket), remove the rocker arm shaft and all
: of the spark plugs (need new plugs?). Work
: one cylinder at a time and stuff 1/8"
: cotton cord ( I dunno, maybe 6 or 8') into
: the spark plug hole. Leave it hanging out of
: the hole so you can pull it out when you're
: done. This will keep the valve from falling
: into the cylinder. You can also used
: compressed air if you have it. NAPA also has
: an air fitting that screws into the spark
: plug hole. Bring the piston for that
: cylinder to TDC. Stop when you feel the
: piston mushing against the cotton cord. Pop
: off the springs and change the seals. Be
: careful not to drop the valve lock(s) After
: you put the springs back on, back off the
: piston and pull the cord out. Any cotton
: lint left behind will burn off as soon as
: you refire the engine. Before reinstalling
: the rocker arms, I usually bang the valve
: just a little with a rubber mallet just to
: be sure the valve locks are seated. I have
: seen them pop out before.
:
: Since you're pulling the valve springs anyway,
: this may be a good time to install new
: springs. Just a thought. Also, it's probably
: a good time to go ahead and adjust the
: valves while you're at it.
:
: Have fun. If you do get new plugs, seals,
: springs, adjust valves, etc who knows? It
: just might perk up your engine just a little
: bit.
:
: Later,
:
: Gilly

: Excellent reply, exactly the information I was
: hoping for. Thanks for taking the time to
: post it! I'll burn a copy and place it in my
: new valiant info folder. Just out of
: curiosity... will the will the parts (PN
: P4120492) work also for the 170?
: Regards,
: Bolt_Snypr

: 170, 198, 225, they all use the same basic
: head. For the most part, all the parts and
: gaskets interchange.
: DD