In my quest to get the most performance for the least amount of money, I am in the process of determining exactly what needs to be done to a cylinder head for my brother's van. I would like to determine if the head actually needs to have the valve guides knurled or resleeved or if the guides are still within the service limits. I have a shop manual and I have a dial indicator, but I don't have the special sleeve tool called for by the shop manual.

How do I go about measuring the valve guide wear without the special factory tools? Can I just remove the spring and keepers and just wiggle the valve and measure it that way? Doesn't seem too accurate.

Thanks.

Thats what I do......

If the intakes wiggle at all you need guides.

Dont just pound the valves out of the head or you will need guides for sure.

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Yeah....Im the one who destroyed this rare, vintage automobile.....

Thanks.

Make sure to pull the valves and clean the oil from the stems and guides. Oil will give you a false tightness reading.

Exhaust guides are not as critical as intakes. I don't even put seals on the exhaust side.

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Official Cookie and Mater Tormentor.

Will do. Thanks.

Hi reed. There is a picture in the '78 manual showing a sleeve that fits over the valve stem near the valve head, and seemingly places the valve head in line with the cylinder head gasket surface. In that position there should be a maximum .017" distance when wiggling the valve to and from the dial indicator (in right angle to the length of the cylinder head). A new valve stem should measure .371" to .372", If wear exceeds .002", manual says replace the valve. You want a scanned page?
Olaf

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Aspenized

Thanks. I actually have a shop manual, but I don't have that special sleeve. I think I have the situation covered though.