Im about to replace the stem seals on both our V6 Magna's (TR and TS) and I would like to know if someone could possibly tell me where I can get the threaded tool that screws into the sparkplug hole and holds compressed air in the combustion chamber so that the valves dont drop out whilst replacing the stem seals.

u can make one......

get an old spark plug, smash off the ceramic part.

weld an air fitting onto it, then just screw it in as u would a spark plug and plug it into a compressor with a pressure valve on it.

i have one somewhere i'll take a pic if u want.

Thanks for the reply Samurai.

Thats so simple and I didnt even give it a thought.

I always overlook the blatantly obvious.
Thanks again.

if you dont have a welder yourself look in the yellows for a welding service
sparkplug thead is special so an old spark plug is the best way the weld has to be air tight to maintain the pressure

there are a few posts with pics in this forum do a search on valve stem replacement
it has how to do and pics
how are you going to compress the springs ?
V6 are hard to do good on you for DIY
good luck

Ive got my own mig that can also do tig work (and gas for both) so the weld shouldnt be an issue.

I enquired today about an overhead valve spring compressing tool. There are 2 versions available, the Standard one retails at most stores for around $38- $44 but it looks like it is very "one use" only. The "legs" that hook under the bottom of the spring were only shaped like an "L" and I felt that they may slip off.

The "deluxe" model was only available over the counter at repco and it retailed for $110 but it had legs that were shaped like a J and was a much more secure looking tool, even for a one off here and there use.

They also have the sparkplug air tool for $20 for 2 sizes (18 and 20mm? from memory) Might be easier than the welding :rotf:

The money isn't the issue, I could easily just get them both done at our local mitsu dealer but I just wanted to do this myself to ease myself back into some basic mechanical service work again, and also, this way I also have a really cool tool to tease people's minds with when we are havin a coldie and I ask them "who knows what this tool is used for"

Just make yaself a tool that hooks onto the nearest exhaust stud nut. make it with a right angle and a hole on the right angle bit to push down the spring once you've pressurised the cylinder. Turn it round for the other side.

20958

Sorry about the drawing, I'm mega **** at paint. Hope you get the idea. :D

my TR blows some smoke when i start it, so i'm thinking i'd like to replace the valve stem seals some time soon. few questions first though:

- how much should i expect to pay for new valve stem seals?
- how much pressure should be used to hold the valves in place?
- anything else i need to know?

my TR blows some smoke when i start it, so i'm thinking i'd like to replace the valve stem seals some time soon. few questions first though:

- how much should i expect to pay for new valve stem seals?
- how much pressure should be used to hold the valves in place?
- anything else i need to know?


mate, its normal for the car to blow smoke on start up, the poor thing is freezing its ass off, then it takes time to warm up.

VALVE STEM SEALS only need replacing when you press the ACCELERATOR and a puff (shot) of smoke fires out!

Means to much oil/water is getting in and its burning it.

good price would be around $300, depends on the mechanic.

(car should take sometime to warm up, then you wont see any smoke whilst driving)

my TR blows some smoke when i start it, so i'm thinking i'd like to replace the valve stem seals some time soon. few questions first though:

- how much should i expect to pay for new valve stem seals?
- how much pressure should be used to hold the valves in place?
- anything else i need to know?


I just bought 2 sets of stem seals from my local autoparts outlet @ $25 each set

The pressure advised to me was 15-30PSI with the piston located at BOTTOM dead centre.

The "cheap" version of the spring compressing tool was available from almost every autoparts outlet for about $20-$45 and the delux version was between $60 and $120. There is some pretty good ones on ebay for under $50 including postage (search valve spring tool)

so its 70 bucks for tools and seals approx
your time

any new tappet cover gaskets

how much do you think you will save all up ?

Yes sorry, and the tappet cover gaskets (I had both sets for both cars donated to me from my mate when he sold his mechanical shop)

I havent got around to doing any yet, I work and live away from home and therefore travel large distances to and from home each fortnight. I have some leave soon so I will be doing them both then. I estimate about 2 hours from previous experiences on similar engines.

how much do you think you will save all up ? sounds like you will save heaps good for you

I have not done it this way I have always taken the heads off and done the valves relapped etc



I have usually done them when removing the heads too but I dont have the time (nor the need) to remove the heads on BOTH v6's :O

They are both running fine, just blowing weed on acceleration etc, standard stem seal wear indications.

Neither car really consumes oil, and mine only blows smoke when accelerating off idle, and my missus's car blows off idle and a very slight chug when it changes down gears.

Compression tests at W.O.T. (Wide Open Throttle) on my engine indicated 165-175PSI dry W.O.T and on the leakdown test (wet) 245-255PSI W.O.T.
and
on the Missus's car showed 160-170PSI dry W.O.T and 250-265PSI leakdown (wet) W.O.T.

so that is another good reason to NOT strip them down and do the valves. Neither show any signs of leaking.



I did get a price from our local Mitsu dealer to do both, and it was $460 each, they said drop em both off at 8am and both would be ready by lunchtime.