Replacing valve seals, which one?

[Guest]

I've had some smoke out of my left hand pipe which I've figured is most likely a valve seal. Is there an easy way to tell which specific seal it is or should I just go through and replace all 8?

[Agemax]

if 1 needs replacing then you can bet they all do.
replace the lot and be done with it. a good head and valve overhaul will be a good idea while you are at it

[hampshirehog]

If you are sure it's a valve seal then the usual thing is to replace all of them on the basis that if one has hardened then the others aren't far behind.

[Steve]

Look at it this way: each seal is only a couple of bucks.

The gaskets to take the engine apart and put it back together to change the seals are over $100.

How many times do you want to do the job?

.

[overboostin]

Yeah that's what I figured would be best. It's a shame because the engine only has 14k on it. I think it was just sitting for awhile.

[hampshirehog]

If it's just valve seals you can ride it anyway if it isn't belching smoke out or drinking too much oil.

[overboostin]

Apparently it smokes quite a bit from the left pipe when I'm on it. Not much at idle but my buddy said when I was riding it was pretty smokey.

[overboostin]

I didn't put many miles on it at all last season and it had been sitting before that. Do you think I should just ride it and see if it works itself out first? Maybe a seal needs to loosen up?

[koolaid_kid]

I strongly suggest you do a compression test.

[chef1366]

Valve seals will smoke at startup and when you close the throttle when riding.
If it smokes on accel most likely it's rings.

[koolaid_kid]

Valve seals will smoke at startup and when you close the throttle when riding.
If it smokes on accel most likely it's rings.

That was my thought as well, hence the suggestion for a compression check. Although, if just the oil ring is stuck, it may still have good compression.

[overboostin]

I know it would be hard to determine from this but do you think it's likely that they just need to be broken free with riding or they need to be replaced?

[koolaid_kid]

The answer to that question is a resounding "Yes".

IOW, it is impossible to tell. Some have squirted Marvel Mystery Oil down there to try to loosen them.

[Nessism]

Make sure the smoke is oil too before pulling down the engine. Black smoke is due to the carbs, it's white-bluish smoke that's from oil.

[gs850cafe]

Valve seals will smoke at startup and when you close the throttle when riding.
If it smokes on accel most likely it's rings.

so thats y i smoke everyone out behind me when were playing