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Valve seal nightmare

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-spoiler alert- this post is me whining like a little girl.

I was assembling the top end on my 71 750 Roadster and was about to install valve seals when I realized the guides are not the correct type. 

If I we're building this bike for me to ride I'd put it together with no seals and cross my fingers but since I intend to sell it ASAP I can't in good conscience take someone else's money when I know inferior work has been done.

My options as I see them are:

1) Put it together anyway and make the next owner aware of the issue

2) Mill the guides in situ so that the guides will fit (a very iffy proposition)

3) Press the guides out, turn them on my lathe press them back in and re-lap the valves

4) Get the correct guides and send the head back to the machinist

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Option 1; If the guides are new and the valve stems are good fit oil consumption should be acceptable and reasonable for that year of motor, and you could make an allowance for it in the price. 

Options 3 and 4 would take any worries out of the sale for you.

If your wife doesn't mind you heating up the head in the oven to remove the guides you can save a few quid  

Sending head back is the cleanest option, the work will have warranty and you'll sleep at night.

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There are tools to machine the guide tops in place to take a standard automotive 5/16"(8mm) stem seal. See your local machine shop. I have done this many times and it works just fine, perhaps better than oem seal.

Mike

 


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