Hey so it seems as though my valve stem seals are in need of replacement (light blue smoke when I start my car after letting it sit for a day or two). I'm planning on doing this job this summer but am definitely a little weary. This website gives me an idea of the job:

http://www.mkiv.com/techarticles/valve_stem/index.html

I do have my factory service manuals also.

Anyway. my questions are:

1.) Whats the best way to clean my valves once I have them out? Should I just bring them to a shop for grinding?

2.) Where can I order the valve shims? Through the dealership?

3.) I'll use a feeler gauge to measure the valve clearances...although won't this change after I change the valve stem seals and clean the valves?

4.) I reckon I should probably just replace all the buckets as well while I'm in there?

I really just wish someone was selling a cheap rebuilt head...although I shouldn't shy away from this job. Has anyone on here done it?

Thanks
Wyatt

 

Just use a wire wheel like on a bench grinder to clean the valves. Shims you can get from the stealership. No point in changing out the buckets, only the shims get worn. And assuming your valves seat correctly measurements should be the same but I would clean them real quick and then check.