Valve springs replace or not?
 

It started as a rod bearing replacement and block bellhousing thread repair.
Decided to pull the head and inspect the headgasket. Glad I did since I noticed the headgasket was already powdery and easily crumbled on some spots which were I think some signs of slight overheating. Lots of carbon build up too as well as on top of pistons. Cylinder walls were perfect. No score lines.
Rod bearings showed minimal wear, no copper showing at 200k miles. Plastigage showed 0.0025". Wear limit is 0.0068". :D

Sent the head out for servicing. Will buy a headgasket set, camshaft chain and pads.

Questions:

1. Do I need to replace the valve springs even if they were fine? 200k on the engine. Do they break? Car has never been raced.
2. What about head studs?
Just the nuts maybe?

Pics to follow. Thanks.

Searched and found out nobody changed the head studs, just the nuts with no issues.
Nobody also seemed to be replaceing broken valve springs on the 16 valves.
Looks like the double springs on the valves are strong enough to take the beatings.

Now, I found some reports of broken valve springs on 911s. What's up with 911 valve springs?

i'd put her back together with what you are doing now, sounds good

You may want to upgrade the normal HGS valve stem seals. I used the set that came with but many upgrade.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-924-944-968-technical-forum/479821-whats-correct-valve-stem-seal-944-na.html?highlight=valve+stem+seals

GL
John_AZ

Thanks John for the suggestion.
I already placed the order for the Victor Reinz head gasket set with valve stem seals. So i will just use whatever comes with the set. Also just ordered the head nuts. I will reuse the valve springs.

At 200k miles, I figure if I get another 100k we'll be happy.

i'd be for changing the head studs, if they are the original studs.

Thanks for the suggestion.

I have thought about replacing them until a 944 guru had mentioned he never had a problem reusing them. This is the first time so I will reuse them and replace on the next rebuild if the engine lasts that long. Or will just go to a 968 engine next time.

Cylinders were fine:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1247579945.jpg

Head:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1247580104.jpg

Gasket:


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1247580224.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1247580355.jpg