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[Terbs]

Does anyone know the cost of replacing valve stem seals. I assume that's what's wrong. Car has been stood a while, and after fitting the crank sensor, I started it, gave it a bit of welly (stationary) and had a large blue cloud. Tell how bad it was, my grandson came round and said.. 'Have you started the Omega?'....I said 'Why'.......he said..'There is a big blue cloud out in Humphries Drive'  . Are there additives you can use to refurbish the seals that work. Engine has only done 80k and gentle driving (not thrashed) I am only the second owner, and had it donkeys years.
I don't really want to spend a fortune on engine stripping yet, as I am in the middle of sorting the bonnet and roof for respray (I shall do this myself, but it costs £250 per day for spray booth hire/usage) 

[Doctor Gollum]

With a couple of quick oil changes and use, they should come around.  Another reason why being sat for ages isn't great for cars.

Any top end rattle is a sign that the lifters have drained down too, again nothing that some use will help resolve

[Terbs]

Cheers Al. Although it hasn't moved for ages, it has been started (when the crank sensor allowed) but the sensor gave up the ghost totally a few days ago, so had to change it. 

[Andy B]

Valve stem seals  can be changed without head removal on some engines .... no idea of the inline 4s or V6s 

[Terbs]

Yes, I have heard that Andy....but beyond my scope.
Has anyone got an idea of replacement price, if it ends up needing it

[TheBoy]

I know the earlier 2.6 was prone to stem seals, fixed I believe on the later ones.

No idea on costs, imagine its all labour TBH.

[Terbs]

I think you are right TB....I have seen the seals for just a few quid. We will see how it goes, then it might be a call to Serek. 

[JamesV6CDX]

I think you are right TB....I have seen the seals for just a few quid. We will see how it goes, then it might be a call to Serek. 

Just in the process of doing mine, along with other jobs. Not a bad job to do at all

[TheBoy]

I think you are right TB....I have seen the seals for just a few quid. We will see how it goes, then it might be a call to Serek. 

Just in the process of doing mine, along with other jobs. Not a bad job to do at all

I assume cams out, but can it be done without removing head?

[Doctor Gollum]

With a compressor and a spark plug adapter it should be doable. Assuming that the valve seats are clean and undamaged 

Just make sure that the crank is securely locked to prevent rotation and may as well throw in a new timing belt and camcover gaskets whilst you are in there.

[VXL V6]

I know the earlier 2.6 was prone to stem seals, fixed I believe on the later ones.

Wasn't fixed on the 03 2.6 I had, was only fixed when a lorry wrote it off and I bought 2x 3.2's with the insurance money and transferred the good parts 

[Andy B]

With a compressor and a spark plug adapter it should be doable.  .....

I used a length of string down the bore when I did my Dad's MKII Granada .. but it had simple tappets that easily unbolted to access the valves' springs

[JamesV6CDX]

I think you are right TB....I have seen the seals for just a few quid. We will see how it goes, then it might be a call to Serek. 

Just in the process of doing mine, along with other jobs. Not a bad job to do at all

I assume cams out, but can it be done without removing head?

I personally have the heads removed, because the car had a cambelt let go, and all 12 inlet valves are as bent as a 9 bob note 

I would do it head-off, personally. It gives the opportunity to inspect the valve seats, re-lap the valves, etc. I appreciate it's more work, but, I really wouldn't fancy dropping one of those little retaining collets down into an oilway or similar 

[TheBoy]

I think you are right TB....I have seen the seals for just a few quid. We will see how it goes, then it might be a call to Serek. 

Just in the process of doing mine, along with other jobs. Not a bad job to do at all

I assume cams out, but can it be done without removing head?

I personally have the heads removed, because the car had a cambelt let go, and all 12 inlet valves are as bent as a 9 bob note 

I would do it head-off, personally. It gives the opportunity to inspect the valve seats, re-lap the valves, etc. I appreciate it's more work, but, I really wouldn't fancy dropping one of those little retaining collets down into an oilway or similar 

Terbs, you're on your own with that one. I aint removing heads

[JamesV6CDX]

If you want them done, I will do them for a very fair price. To include a full head refurb. I’m afraid I can’t do a job of that magnitude for totally free, but it would still be a fraction of garage labour…. It would also be prime time to do cambelt and water pump - it would be removed regardless, so no extra labour ….

The only caveat is that I can’t work at the speed I used to - I’d need the car at my place for a short while