While waiting to complete the engine swap oddysey on my 97 lego, I am planning to repair the heads on the engine pulled out.

 

Got two zero compression cylinders after indexing the new timing belt wrong, and trying to crank it ( it never started) Don't know how only two cylinders were damaged.

 

So I am thinking about trying to just replace the valves that are bent, but how can you tell if the valve guides are okay?

 

I don't think surfacing should be necessary in this case

i've only ever seen bent valves when they interfere, no other damage.

 

probably only those two on that side were lined up improperly such that interference happened. just because the timing is off does not necessitate interference, so the other side was either correct or not off in such a way that it interfered.

 

that being said, any competent machine shop can replace them and check everything out, replace the valve stem seals, etc for not much money if you don't want to.

It was one cylinder on each side that is bad.

 

The reason I want to do them myself is that the machine shops around here really expensive. The cheapest quote I got was 325 for two heads.

It was one cylinder on each side that is bad.

 

The reason I want to do them myself is that the machine shops around here really expensive. The cheapest quote I got was 325 for two heads.

they are quoting a full on head rebuild, resurface, valve job, pressure test, etc. you aren't going to be doing all that yourself.

 

if you asked a shop just take the head in with you and ask for a quote on just replacing the valve or whatever else you want.

 

or yeah, do it yourself. !!

Okay, now that we have circled around, back to the original question :

So I am thinking about trying to just replace the valves that are bent, but how can you tell if the valve guides are okay?

 

90% of the time the guides are fine. If the valve jammed in the guide there will be physical damage to the guide.

 

I'd be more worried about the valve seats than the guides. But even then, I wouldn't think twice about throwing a couple new valves in and putting it back together.

Thanks, Will a standard valve spring compressor work for them?

yes. my generic one is unstable, wants to torque to the side, but it does *work*.

 

this is an EJ22 right? i'm sure you will but just to be thorough or if anyone else reads this later - adjust the valves before buttoning the motor up.

I used some random compressor we had at work. Probably could have opened the spring with a brake spring tool though. These things are not very tough.