valve guides and shop recommendation Los Angeles

[captainlewis]

I have a 1987 carrera stock engine 85K on the clock. My oil consumption is at 1 qt every 450 miles. A leak down has indicated 35% on #3 exhaust valve with other cylinders at 6%, compression is 160 all around. Since it is an exhaust valve guide probable, there is no oil fouling of the spark plug, clean firing on all six. The only noticeable smoke is at idle when hot after a long run and there is not much just barely noticeable. No other smoke indicators but some stink. The car just passed smog on the first test. The first Question is what damage can be done by continuing to drive and just keeping the oil; topped off? The second question is where is a good honest shop to do the work? Live in San Fernando Valley, I know it will be expensive as it involves a lot of work and I need a quality guy that will stand behind his work. Another thing I don't understand is why it is not smoking like crazy, hardly any on start up?? Thanks JL

[zippy_gg]

Look up TRE in Van Nuys. I have never used them, so I am not making any recommendation of any kind, but I have heard of them, and they organize rides and events locally.
I am sure they have a following that will chime in.

[5String43]

The guys at TRE just did the top end on the engine in my car. That's the place you may wish to start, I should think. Not cheap, by any means (is anything these days?), but they do a great job, and seem unafraid to go the second mile. Pretty stinkin' rare these days. If you're in the SFV, they're handy - over there off Roscoe just off the 405, behind the Budweiser plant, on the south side of the thing.

[Flieger]

I like Tony and Marco at TLG Auto TLG Auto Porsche Service in North Hollywood, CA

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by captainlewis

I have a 1987 carrera stock engine 85K on the clock. My oil consumption is at 1 qt every 450 miles. A leak down has indicated 35% on #3 exhaust valve with other cylinders at 6%, compression is 160 all around. Since it is an exhaust valve guide probable, there is no oil fouling of the spark plug, clean firing on all six. The only noticeable smoke is at idle when hot after a long run and there is not much just barely noticeable. No other smoke indicators but some stink. The car just passed smog on the first test. The first Question is what damage can be done by continuing to drive and just keeping the oil; topped off? The second question is where is a good honest shop to do the work? Live in San Fernando Valley, I know it will be expensive as it involves a lot of work and I need a quality guy that will stand behind his work. Another thing I don't understand is why it is not smoking like crazy, hardly any on start up?? Thanks JL

There appears to be two schools of thought on oil top-off.

Some believe in one quart below max, and others full top-off,
both as per the dip stick.

Perhaps some will chime in with the pros & cons of either approach.

Gerry

[Noah930]

I live in like, the Valley and use TRE, but TLG also has a good reputation.

If nothing else expensive sounds like it's going on in the motor while you're driving your car, I don't think you're doing any additional significant harm by just topping off the oil for now.

[slodave]

I don't want to make a recommendation one way or the other, as I know both Dave B. and Marco (not so much Tony). Both are great businesses.

[craigyirush]

Originally Posted by captainlewis

I have a 1987 carrera stock engine 85K on the clock. My oil consumption is at 1 qt every 450 miles. A leak down has indicated 35% on #3 exhaust valve with other cylinders at 6%, compression is 160 all around.

I wonder why your leakdown number is bad on #3 but you still have decent compression on the same cylinder (160)?

[hcariss]

I had a really great experience with Robbie Wessels working on my 86 911 at Dutch Treat in Lawndale.
Highly recommended

[Flieger]

Originally Posted by slodave

I don't want to make a recommendation one way or the other, as I know both Dave B. and Marco (not so much Tony). Both are great businesses.

Oh, I am not saying Dave is not good, he did bring my motor back from the brink. It is just that Marco and Tony have a more "personal" touch that is hard to get with a larger-volume shop like TRE.