Valve Seal Replacement 22R Question (2 Viewers)

[t6dpilot]

I would like to replace the valve seals on my 81 22R. I see that to remove the rocker arms to get at the valves, you remove the bolts that hold on the head. I would prefer not removing the head and having to mess with the gasket. It does not leak and if it isn't broke, don't fix it.

So my question is, has anyone removed the rocker arm assembly and re-secured the head with shorter bolts? Is this job possible with keeping the head installed? If so, any tricks to it? Sure hoping I do not have to pull the head, but have the sneaking suspicion that I will have to.

 

[aztoyman]

I've actually changed cams a few times on 22RE's. It's not the correct way but I have done it without problems. I did drain the coolant. The weight of everything hanging on the head helps I think. I did use shorter bolts or spacers (I don't remember) to keep pressure on the head gasket.

I never tried to do what you want to do though. Pulling the cam is easier to not disturb the head gasket. You're going to have to put air pressure in the cylinders or rope or something to keep the valve from falling in when you remove the retainers.

Try it and just be prepared to pull the head if it doesn't work. Think about how it is to pull the stuck on head gasket. Plus you're keeping torque on the head bolts. It might work???

Are the seals just shot or are the guides worn out too?

 

[t6dpilot]

Thanks @aztoyman. I would put a rope in to lessen the pressure on the head. I was just going to do the seals, not sure if the guides are worn. How can I tell? The truck only has 140k miles on it.

 

[aztoyman]

I had a couple engines with over 400K miles. The machine shop said they didn't need guides. With only 140 K miles I'd just replace the seals.

If it were mine, I'd have no problem trying this. I just wanted to be clear it might not work. You definitely need to keep it bolted down.

 

[gnob]

i could be completely wrong here but i think the reason the rocker arms have that spring is so you can just push the arm out of the way and service the seal or spring without pulling the head/bolts

 

[aztoyman]

That would be awesome if so.

 

[t6dpilot]

Oh, that would make total sense, but looking at pictures of the assembly, I do not think that will be possible.