7 replies to this topic

[Keith Grendahl]

I haven't removed the head, nor do I plan to. I will be changing the valve guide seals in place but am unsure which seals the 12G1316 valves use. Internet search hasn't turned anything up. If you know, I would appreciate the info.

[danrock101]

I assume you mean the valve stem steals, not sure how you plan to change them without taking the head off?

http://www.mra-minis...gine-single.htm

[Stevee]

you can't change them without removing the head unfortanly

if its to bring emission down string the head and clean it all up de coke it and lap valves in new springs and guides and seals then the heads done

[benb12]

It is possible to do with the head still on with the right tools. You need a compressor with a fitting that screws into the spark plug hole and a special valve spring compressor that uses a rocker post thread. The compressor is to stop the valves dropping into the cylinder.

[Keith Grendahl]

Thank you for pointing me toward the valve stem seal. I wasn't sure if it was that type or the o-ring type.

I have the fittings to charge the cylinder with air and the spring compressor that fits onto the rocker stud. If you can't charge the cylinder with air to prevent the valves from falling you can feed several feet of small rope into the cylinder. You can find the procedure on the internet.

[wile e coyote]

Thank you for pointing me toward the valve stem seal. I wasn't sure if it was that type or the o-ring type.

I have the fittings to charge the cylinder with air and the spring compressor that fits onto the rocker stud. If you can't charge the cylinder with air to prevent the valves from falling you can feed several feet of small rope into the cylinder. You can find the procedure on the internet.

- Rope trick is a cracker works a charm (was a bit incredulous until I tried it) , but use new nylon thread / rope plastered in fresh oil to avoid a) any fragments being left in the bore and b) ease of extraction and pull the engine through by hand to ensure it's nicely compacted in the bore

[benb12]

Never thought of using rope, sounds better than my idea of using an old coathanger

[dklawson]

Welcome Keith and best regards from south of you in Durham, NC.

For the seals, contact Todd Miller on the Austin America forum. Todd sells Viton versions of the seals. They are very high quality. You can reach Todd through his web site:
http://www.austinamericausa.com/
Feel free to tell Todd I sent you his way.

Regarding doing this with the head in place... I've done it. The compressed air trick is not likely to work. It will only work if the valve spring caps and keepers/collets have not stuck to each other. It is quite likely that they have. Rope down the bores DOES work.

Regardless, if your valve guides themselves are worn, replacing the seals will only give you a temporary improvement. After a few weeks the oil burning (particularly after decelerating in gear) will be back.

EDIT: by the way Keith, if you find you need help with your Mini, you are not too far from Steve Gibbs in Newport News. Steve runs a Mini specific service shop and is a long time friend.