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Title: Valve guide replacement
Post by: 78txpony on January 08, 2010, 11:03:28 AM

How hard is it to replace the bronze valve guides in a 1978 2.3L?
I have a feeling mine are getting worn out, after 153K miles.
I will know for sure when i pull the valve cover to change the valve seals.

Can the the guides be driven out and installed with a hammer, punch or press or is this best left to a machine shop? I do know bronze is a bit soft...
Thanks...

Title: Re: Valve guide replacement
Post by: billnall on January 08, 2010, 12:20:15 PM

Machine shop!!!
If guides need to be replaced, valves and seats need to be ground so they will seat properly.

Title: Re: Valve guide replacement
Post by: 72pair on January 08, 2010, 12:20:51 PM

If that is a factory original head then it doesn't have bronze guides. Installing new guides is a machine shop job. The original holes are drilled oversize and new bronze or steel guides are interference fit and then reamed for proper valve stem clearance. Not a backyard job unless you have a well equipped machine shop. Good luck, JT

Title: Re: Valve guide replacement
Post by: 78txpony on January 08, 2010, 06:50:10 PM

Thanks for the help guys - looks like this will be a job for a shop later down the road (or this spring if i discover them loose when I do the seals.)

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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: 78txpony on January 08, 2010, 11:03:28 AM