I am looking to pull my valve covers in the next few weeks for re-chroming.  any suggestions as to what type of maintenance I should do while there off?  my car's a 79 L82 with about 63k miles.  I think I have a bad valve seal, it blows blue smoke when I start it, so that will be on my agenda.  springs?  anything else?  not too excited about getting in over my head.  thanks.

Hank

David,

I'm not a mechanic.  let's just say that I'm a virgin to anything internal to an engine, carberator to the oil pan.  I am willing to learn though and since I have the valve covers off, I want to know what maintenance makes sense to do to a certain point, ie. my competence level.  must be basic.

Hank

Hank, if you have an air compressor it's not a problem to put the valve stem seals in place.  And for you maintance it's a good idea.  Are you going to do it on a Saturday? I may be able to come up early in the day and lend a hand with the seals.  If necessary, I will bring my compressor.kstyer38390.8351157407

Hank, If Ken is going to come and help you, the you got it made. Ken's background in his profile speaks volumes for him. I can relate how to do it via email, but a in person person is alway better. If Ken can't make it, let me know and I will detail out the procedure. I only hope we can post a large reply otherwise we'll have to do it on a private message. I know how frustrating it is to start an engine and have it smoke from the problem.

Dave

Pumps38390.8915162037

Ken,

thanks for such a generous offer.  of course I'd do it on a Saturday to get you to help.  I have a small compressor.  not sure what what the specs are.  I will post them tomorrow.  tell me what else you need and let me know what date would be convenient for you. 

Dave, thank you also.  you're right about Ken.  he has imparted much information to us sorely lacking.  but he's not the only one.  there are many who share their knowledge here freely, like yourself.  that's what so great about this forum.  great bunch of guys ........ and ladies.

Hank

Any small compressor will work.  80-90 psi is fine. We just need to be able to connect the compresser hose to the spark plug hole to put pressure in the cylinders. ( This holds the valves shut when the springs are removed.)  That means we will need a connection from your air line to the spark plug hole.  I usually use a compression gage hose to connect to the plug hole.  A fitting is necessary to connect to the air line.   Between us we will come up with something that fits before I come up.  We will need a valve spring compressor, I will bring mine.  After that a few basic hand tools will do it.

My cell phone is (edited 2/10/05 sorry guys, I'm not going to leave it up forever, you can e-mail me.  I changed my profile to include my email    bunky44221@yahoo.com  or  kstyer@neo.rr.com ).  Anyone can call that number to get me, BUT DO NOT CALL MY CELL PHONE BETWEEN 9 AM and 5 PM or BETWEEN 6 PM and 10 PM MONDAY TO THURSDAY!  I MAY BE IN FRONT OF A CLASS AT THAT TIME, AND THE INSTRUCTOR CANNOT HAVE HIS PHONE RING WHILE TEACHING!  If you do I will answer, say I'm in class, then hang up on you. ( I have done that to my Dad.)

Actually class starts at 1 so my mornings are open until 3/9/05, then the schedule changes and I teach mornings, and the afternoon is open from 1 to 6.   the  6 - 10 pm is always, until the end of the school year.  I also teach summer classes, but no evenings.

Any time Friday, Saturday or Sunday is fine.  Monday between 5 and 6 PM is fine. Friday during the day I'm at the college, and some of Sunday at the parts house.  If I don't grab it leave a voice mail. I may call back during class time, I do get breaks.

Looking forward to it Hank.  If you have heat in the garage just give me a week or two ahead of time and we will get it done.  Now for my fee. This is my special rate for family and close friends, of course that includes all of my C3VR family. I like tea or Diet Rite cola. I can even bring my own tea bags.  Gosh I work cheap!

 

kstyer38393.325162037

you're a brave man Ken, posting your cell phone number.  I will not call you during class so when it rings this next week, it won't be me.

I've got the compressor covered.  I will take care of connecting the air hose to the spark plug hole. 

what type of tea do you like.  I have Lipton.  got the Diet Rite Cola.  will have food. 

the garage is not heated but I will see what I can do. 

anything else you can thing of, just let me know. 

Hank

Even a little heat will help.  Or a moderate day.  Torpedo heater?  Space heater?  I think that's got it covered.

I may regret posting the number, but I'm counting on C3VR members to use discretion.

55 gal drum    I'll have something.

anybody call yet?