okieracer32

I just replaced my head gasket cause i was puffing white smoke like i was burning antifreeze so I replace the headgasket and resurfaced the head and had the head pressure tested.

Now after putting it back together it started up and runs fine but it is now puffing blue smoke like its burning oil yet its not missing so that leads me to believe the machine shop that tested the head didn't check the valve stem seals and one is bad.

Is there a way to replace the valve stem seals without having to pull the head again?

okieracer32

so i found another thread about using compressed air to hold the valves up so I dont have to take the head off again.

is there anything else that could be causing this besides the valve stem seals? I really dont wanna change them if i don't have to it doesnt sound like a fun way to spend a weekend if there could be something else causing the problem.

vinuneuro

If it's the valve seals, you'll see smoke when you firs start the car, or after vacuum conditions like if you've been sitting at stop light and then accelerate.

Use the compressor to hold the valves up.

This valve spring compressor by far works the best. Worth every penny.
eBay Motors: valve spring compressor Honda, Acura B18/B16 H22 VTEC (item 200278384033 end time Nov-27-08 11:10:10 PST)

Apply vaseline to the inside of the keepers when you reinstall them. That'll make them stick to the stems while you uncompress the springs.

okieracer32

that is exactly whats happening smokes when i first start it up then it only does it after i stop and sit for a bit. It will also smoke under heavy acceleration.

My mechanic says that i should also replace the valve guides but that i would have to remove the head to do that so I'm looking at spending an extra 250 to do that.
Is this necessary in your opinion? or should I replace the seals first and button her back up and see if that fixes it?

PS> will that tool work on a h23a1 also or only vtec?

Mogawa

bump i'm in the same spot. i just replaced my valve cover gasket and my four "O" rings, and i am still losing ALOT of oil and smoking at start-up.

okieracer32

Took your advice and bought that tool and it was a snap replacing the valve seals. NO MORE SMOKE YEAH!!!!!!!! thanks for the help bro

tool and new felpro viton seals $85 dollars
Prelude not smoking more than a reggae concert Priceless!!!!!

Mogawa

okie were you having any problems at startup by any chance?

okieracer32

Yea it smoked at startup and after sitting stopped for a few minutes.