help, what to do now?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Clear Lake, TX
help, what to do now? I was easing out of a parking lot this afternoon. All of th sudden I heard an odd exhaust-like noise and the car died. I coasted into another parking lot and had the car towed home. Once I got it home I pulled the driver-side valvecover (F#$%ing back coil-pack bracket). Anyway, I saw a little piece of springy trash (valveseal I take it) and then I noticed the fifth valvespring back was broken.
Now to the questions. What all do you think is damaged? What all needs to be replaced. Keep in mind: this is my only transportation, I'm a relatively novice mechanic, and quick access to money is definitely under a grand.
What would you do?
All reponses appreciated.
Now to the questions. What all do you think is damaged? What all needs to be replaced. Keep in mind: this is my only transportation, I'm a relatively novice mechanic, and quick access to money is definitely under a grand.
What would you do?
All reponses appreciated.
See if you can locate a valvespring removal tool locally. Larry Sample lives in Sugarland and sells them (posts as "Larry"). Remove the broken valvespring and see if the stem is bent and if it slides up/down okay. Hopefully just the spring broke.
Buy a new set of springs and replace all of them if that is the problem.
Buy a new set of springs and replace all of them if that is the problem.
was the valve still locked into the retainer or had it fallen down?
you can replace 1 valveseal if you want (they are like a buck a piece). i'm sure MTI or someone can hook you up with that and 1 valvespring. if you put it back together and its running/missing like hell, you probably have more damage. you will also have more noise. worst comes to worse, you will have to pull the head(s) and replace the valve (ONLY the valve if your lucky). doesnt sound like it really ran long enough to have hurt much very bad. 8 bux a pop is normally the going rate for valves. its not that hard of a job, just takes patience and JMX's head swap guide (ls1howto.com). might want to also replace your lifters while yer in there (200 bux).
good luck and hopefully its just 1 valvespring and 1 retainer
you can replace 1 valveseal if you want (they are like a buck a piece). i'm sure MTI or someone can hook you up with that and 1 valvespring. if you put it back together and its running/missing like hell, you probably have more damage. you will also have more noise. worst comes to worse, you will have to pull the head(s) and replace the valve (ONLY the valve if your lucky). doesnt sound like it really ran long enough to have hurt much very bad. 8 bux a pop is normally the going rate for valves. its not that hard of a job, just takes patience and JMX's head swap guide (ls1howto.com). might want to also replace your lifters while yer in there (200 bux).
good luck and hopefully its just 1 valvespring and 1 retainer
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Clear Lake, TX
Well, I'm pretty sure the valve is still in good shape. It moves up and down like normal and I can push it down on the piston and spin it with no wobble. I can't seem to get the retainer off easily though. How hard can I tap on it? Should I be worried about damaging the valve against the piston, or does it sit pretty flat?
Originally Posted by Seth
Well, I'm pretty sure the valve is still in good shape. It moves up and down like normal and I can push it down on the piston and spin it with no wobble. I can't seem to get the retainer off easily though. How hard can I tap on it? Should I be worried about damaging the valve against the piston, or does it sit pretty flat?
