Do I need to remove the engine to replace the valve stem seals?
2 Answers
No, it can be replaced directly on the vehicle. Here is the relevant introduction: Oil seal: The representative form of oil seal is the TC oil seal, which is a double-lip oil seal with a self-tightening spring completely covered by rubber. Generally, the oil seal referred to is often this TC skeleton oil seal. Time required: Replacing valve stem seals and piston rings is not a very complicated repair project, and the repair time takes about a day. The valve stem seals are located in the cylinder head at the upper part of the engine, and replacing them does not take very long. For piston rings: Piston rings are located inside the engine block at the lower part of the engine, and replacing them requires disassembling more components. In such cases, it is necessary to go to a 4S shop for repair as soon as possible.
I've been in auto repair for nearly 20 years, and I'll tell you honestly, most vehicles require cylinder head removal to replace valve stem seals. You see, the seals sit between the valve stems and guides, located inside the cylinder head - you can't properly access them without disassembling the top end. Some older models are even more troublesome, requiring camshaft removal first. Though there are new 'no-disassembly' tools claiming to replace seals by compressing valve springs, the operation is extremely cumbersome with limited workspace. For a thorough job, disassembling the upper engine is still the most reliable approach. After repair, always verify timing chain installation - incorrect alignment could bend valves, leading to costly consequences.
