Quote:
Originally posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts
I just read through this thread, and I think there's an important point that has been missed. Compression and leakdown tests will not tell you if your valve guides are shot - they can't be used to determine this.
The leak down test is performed with the valves closed - no interaction with the guide. Likewise, the compression tester measures compression, which is done when the valve is closed.
Your oil consumption is high. 1 qt per 500 miles is what I call "area of concern." Worn valve guides will tend to overheat the valves, which can cause them to wear more, and possibly break off, destroying the entire engine. This, of course, is an extreme case - your guides would have to be seriously worn to have this happen.
Read this, lots of good info on the subject:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/mult_Engine_Rebuild/mult_engine_rebuild-1.htm
-Wayne
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Wayne Good point.
I will say that I carefully monitored my oil use and listened to my car to keep an eye on it's health. I knew I was living on "borrowed time" and when I was able, I addressed the problem. I got somewhat lucky in that my cost was probabbly a few more worn valves then if I had done it sooner but I could have had a very expensive error as well.
Like I noted, you have to weigh your chances and make a choice. If I was him, I would get my valves adjusted to verify that they are set properly and watch my oil consumption. I would be saving my $$ and prepare to do the work when I was able. If the oil use suddenly changed, I would advance my plans.