1997 Honda Civic valve guide seals

1997 HONDA CIVIC
50,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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MALINDAD1977
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we had our motor replaced 6 months ago, they took out the 1.6 and put in a 1.5. Now in the mornings it gives a little white smoke, and has some oil in the radiator, it had an oil leak and they mechanic put some dye in the motor, and the leak is gone now, but the smoke is still there, he says that the valve guide or valve stem seals are bad, so we are trying to figure out, how would he replace that. We were sure that the head or head gasket was bad, but he swears it is not. Isn't the valve guide seals inside the head? If not where are they, and how would they be properly fixed, and what all would need to be done to do it correct?
Aug 11, 2010 at 12:42 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi malindad1977,

The valve seals are inside the head. To replcae the seals the valve springs have to be removed first.

There are 2 ways to go about, removing the head and doing a valve job or just replacing the seals without removing the head. This would require special tools to hold the valves in position and removal/installation of the valve springs.
Aug 11, 2010 at 1:12 PM
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MALINDAD1977
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[quote:6d730fc9cc="KHLow2008"]Hi malindad1977,

The valve seals are inside the head. To replcae the seals the valve springs have to be removed first.

There are 2 ways to go about, removing the head and doing a valve job or just replacing the seals without removing the head. This would require special tools to hold the valves in position and removal/installation of the valve springs.[/quote:6d730fc9cc]


What could cause the seals to go bad? Another mechanic said that if that is bad than the head or head gasket had to be bad. Does this sound correct?
Aug 11, 2010 at 7:53 PM
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KHLOW2008
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No, bad valve seals does not necessarily mean bad head or gaskets. anybody who thinsk that way is not up to the mark yet.

Valve seals would harden over time and when this occurs, the sealing properties deteriorates thus the oil consumption and smoke.
Aug 12, 2010 at 7:35 AM