FixVault

Valve Guide Replacement

Special Tools Required 

  1. Inspect the valve stem-to-guide clearance (see VALVE INSPECTION ).
  2. As illustrated, use a commercially available air- impact valve guide driver (A) modified to fit the diameter of the valve guides. In most cases, the same procedure can be done using the special tool and a conventional hammer.
    Fig 1: Identifying Air Impact Valve Guide Driver
    G06265616Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  3. Select the proper replacement guides, and chill them in the freezer section of a refrigerator for about an hour.
  4. Use a hot plate or oven to evenly heat the cylinder head to 150 "C (300 T). Monitor the temperature with a cooking thermometer. Do not get the head hotter than 150 °C (300 °F); excessive heat may loosen the valve seats.
    Fig 2: Heating Cylinder Head
    G06265617Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  5. Working from the camshaft side, use the driver and an air hammer to drive the guide about 2 mm (0.1 in.) towards the combustion chamber. This will knock off some of the carbon and make removal easier. Hold the air hammer directly in line with the valve guide to prevent damaging the driver.
  6. Turn the head over, and drive the guide out toward the camshaft side of the head.
    Fig 3: Driving Guide Using Driver And Air Hammer
    G06265618Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  7. If a valve guide won't move, drill it out with a 8 mm (5/16 in.) bit, then try again. Drill guides only in extreme cases; you could damage the cylinder head if the guide breaks.
  8. Take out the new guide(s) from the freezer, one at a time, as you need them.
  9. Apply a thin coat of clean engine oil to the outside of the new valve guide. Install the guide from the camshaft side of the head; use the special tool to drive the guide in to the specified installed height (A) of the guide (B). If you have all 16 guides to do, you may have to reheat the head.

    Valve Guide Installed Height 

    Intake: 15.2-16.2 mm (0.598-0.638 in.) 

    Exhaust: 15.5-16.5 mm (0.610-0.650 in.) 

    Fig 4: Installing Valve Guide
    G06265619Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  10. Coat both reamer and the valve guide with cutting oil.
  11. Rotate the reamer clockwise to the full length of the valve guide bore.
    Fig 5: Reaming Valve Guide Bore
    G06265620Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  12. Continue to rotate the reamer clockwise while removing it from the bore.
  13. Thoroughly wash the guide in detergent and water to remove any cutting residue.
  14. Check the clearances with a valve (see VALVE INSPECTION ). Verify that a valve slides into the intake and exhaust valve guides without getting stuck.