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Head reconditioning

socalgvr4

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 19, 2007
Messages
294
Location
Hillsboro Oregon, USA
I picked up a vr4, with some level of tapping that goes away at some level coming from what looks close to cylinder 1 (i havent pulled the valve cover off yet). I also am exhibiting some weird behavior where the car hesitates badly at 4k.

Also the car doesnt overheat, but exhibits some white smoke -- im guessing coolant

Also, from inside the car i can smell a sweet smell - likely coolant and perhaps the heater core? -- but it could be something else. I dont want to put a red herring into my problem solving here, but i figured i mention it.....

In an effort to get ahead of the curve, I'd like some recommendations on things tolook at (and yep familiar with vfaq) :

*Determine if the valve seals have gone bad, and how id know
* figuring out where that nasty little noisy lifter or "tap" is coming from

*Recommendations of replacing valves, vale seals, springs, keeps, etc.

Akash
 
Last edited:

BogusSVO

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 29, 2013
Messages
232
Location
Pensacola, Florida
If you are blowing white smoke, you should be going through coolant.

Now blue oil smoke is close to coolant white smoke. oil smoke is white with a blue tinge to it.

If you are blowing blue smoke,all the time, that would be rings.

If it is a puff of blue smoke on start up, or idle time, stop lights n such, that would be valve seals.

If it is a trail of blue smoke after boosting and on decell, that points to turbo seals.

Smelling that sweet smell inside the passenger compartment, is a strong sign of a bad heater core.

If it is bad enough, you should see a puddle under the car, coming from the AC drain.


Before you go spending cash, run a few tests so you will know what you need and not just guess at it.

Start with the basics, compression test and leak down test. Next if you can get your hands on one, a coolant system pressure test.

You can also drop the turbo intake pipe, and check for shaft play.

Pull the valve cover and take a look at the valve seal through the spring. Look for what color they are. Reg, Grey, Black, orange or blue.

Also you can quick check the HLA's, with the toe of the cam up (valve fully closed) press on the end of the follower, the HLA should have little play, if you find one that is spongey, it is bad.

Take notes on your findings and report back.

No need to go through the head and bolt it back into place if the rings or turbo is shot.
 
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