gnj3963

Planning on replacing valve seals and orings..Any recommendations whether or not to change anything else while im in the heads?Its a 1984 c4 with 78,000 miles..

thanx for any input

hcbph

Going to have to do mine at some point. I'd be tempted to do the valve springs and anything else that looks questionable while in there.

gnj3963

i was thinking about springs,push rods, and the rocker arms..The prices through rock auto are very good..all the parts come in under 100$..thats including the spring compressor...

MikeP84

Springs might not be a bad idea but I would just check over heads closely. Checking things like valve seats, guides, and if valves have any pitting. Also if you lap them, check to make sure valves are not to recessed into seats.

gnj3963

thanks..I will do that...

TheBlaster9001

Remember to set rocker preload/valve lash to factory specs, it'll keep the heads from sounding like a sewing machine.

gnj3963

i will remember to do that also...This is the first time changing valve seals..I have been a cnc machinist for over 25 years..Not expecting any problems

thank you

9T3VETTE

Careful when installing, many people use a deep well socket (12mm if I recall) to pound the seal on. I wasn't' successful going that route as the socket bottomed out on the rocker stud, not seating the seal all the way.

Kent Moore J-42109 is the correct install socket for seating properly. Check Ebay.

gnj3963

i will look for that tool...thanx..

gnj3963

just found it on ebay for 10$....cool

corvettenorway

do use shim type head gasket .021"

gnj3963

I am doing the seals with the heads on the car..no need for head gaskets...

gnj3963

[QUOTE=MikeP84;1597103704]Springs might not be a bad idea but I would just check over heads closely. Checking things like valve seats, guides, and if valves have any pitting. Also if you lap them, check to make sure valves are not to recessed into seats.[/QUOT

can i ask if you would recomend the umbrella type seals or oem?

MikeP84

Honestly I have only built one motor and have no experience with oem style seals. Im not sure if they are the old o ring style or not but I will say I like my umbrella style. Probably just quality of parts, personal experience, and personal opinion on which to use.

mtwoolford

valve springs, they'll be off anyway and they don't hold their original tension forever. For a budget build, I really like roller tipped rockers (not full rollers). The roller at the tip "rolls", not drags itself, across the top of the valve stem and eliminates a lot of the side load on the valve stem that contributes to valve guide wear. Not familiar with 1984s, but whatever style rocker arm you install, make sure it matches the original, self guided or not; self guided will have a small slot at the rocker arm end that locates the rocker arm on the valve stem; if the pushrods pass through narrow slots in the head which serve as pushrod guides, and a smooth surface on the end of the rocker arm, they are not self guided.

not trying to spend your money, but this would be an excellent time to consider doing a cam swap and new timing chain.

9T3VETTE

383vett

I would pull the heads and do the valve guides (if needed), valve job, seals and springs. 78,000 miles is a good time to freshen up the heads. They will be as good as new and you'll gain lost hp. Do it right and you're good for a long time.

MikeP84

I agree if you have a local shop who can do it for reasonable price.