XU9 GTI - Valve stem seals

sooty · Unread post by **sooty** » 05 Aug 2006, 21:05

Anyone know if the Valve stem seals on a XU9 GTI engine can be renewed without removing the cylinder head.

If so how or what is used to compress the valve springs, knowing that something has tobe put down the plug hole to support the valve and bring the piston up while renewing the seal.

Any info would be appreciated

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 05 Aug 2006, 22:11

how are you going to depress the valve springs as to get to them you will have to remove the cam shaft,and the usal tool for doing this is for engines that you can get to the tops of the valves whilst the cam is in place to hook the tool under,like the the tu engine some one has just been discusing on here
regards malcolm

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 06 Aug 2006, 08:21

This has always been a hot topic over on the 205gtidrivers forum. The general opinion is no you can't. Many have claimed otherwise but with no proof..

The problem, as Malcolm says, is that the valve springs are buried and to compress these with the head in place is nigh-on impossible. If you could compress them and remove them, you then have the problem of removing the old seals with the valve stem in place. It won't be easy as they grip tenaciously to the top of the valve guide.

For all the hassle and risk, frankly, it's easier, quicker and simpler to slip the head off. Whilst you are there you can lap the valves in and generally overhaul the top end.