As title, needing to replace the Valve Stem Oil seals on my zetec engine, suspect oil leaking past, how difficult are they to replace?? What all is involved?? any pix would be much appreciated also

cheers

 

I could be wrong but im pretty sure it will be cylinder head off to do the seals.

 

you use the roap trick if you want to keep the head on

 

Rope trick??

are there any specific tools needed??

 

Ford say you can do this without taking head off , using special tools !!! but thay are not that special , they say use compressor to feed air into cylinder at bdc , and the compress valve spring using a couple of special tools , do you know anybody in a ford workshop , will see if I can scan the workshop manual and send if you like so you can see ,I have access to it from home let me know .

You could try doing it at tdc and make yourself a lever bar up to compress springs with a cut down tube .

 

BTW rope trick is to take plug out then feed rope into cylinder then slowly bring piston to tdc trapping rope inbetween valves and piston then you can compress valve collet with tool as required

 

It's doable but fiddly, as they are a bit deep on zetec heads.
I would use the NYLON rope trick, rather than compressed air, knowing my luck the compressor would stop working!!
tabetha

 

I agree tabetha . I am also great believer in " mechanical " locking not compressed locking , unless you have a very reliable way to lock flywheel with piston at tdc so if compressor or pipe failed the valve cannot drop into oblivion

 

That would be great if you could send me that mate cheers

I have to replcae the head gasket anyway, as its gone, so i wont need to go down the compressed route.

 

what address would you like these sending to ?

 

PM for ya mate