RE: IML: 1973 Imperial Topend

["Robin Giesbrecht" <robings@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Easy way to see if any of your valves have receded is to lay a straight edge 
across the tops of the valve stems.. They should all be very close to same 
height. If one is quite a bit higher the seat has probably receded. I could 
see this on mine right away after the rockers were removed. Yours look 
pretty good from the photos. For sure your valve seals are rock hard and 
useless. Easy to replace with head removed. How many miles on engine? The 
valve that is eroded should be replaced and this is a shop job as the valve 
and seat should be cut. But don't get conned into replacing everything such 
as guides and valves if it is not absolutely necessary.These top ends will 
go a long way. Myself I would replace that valve, inspect all the valves and 
seats, lap them back in and reinstall with new seals.Goes without saying 
that everything has to be cleaned up. Cleaning has to be the biggest chore 
on older engines but well worth it. How was your drivers side exhaust 
manifold to remove? I could not remove mine without physically moving the 
engine block to the right an inch or two.

Robin Giesbrecht
1972 Imperial

> From: David Duricy <desotobravo@xxxxxxxxx>
> Reply-To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: IML: 1973 Imperial Topend
> Date: Thu, 7 Jul 2005 16:54:45 -0700 (PDT)
>
> It took me a couple of days, but the head is now off
> my '73 Imperial. (Note to the wise: drain the radiator
> AND THE BLOCK before removing the exhaust manifold and
> head. I got a wet surprise -- twice.)
>
> The combustion chambers seem to have more than their
> share of carbon. I can't tell if the valves are
> recessed or not, and would appreciate it if the
> experienced mechanics among us would examine the
> photographs I took of the top end. Please go to:
>
> http://www.duricy.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=1973-Imperial-Driverside-Topend
>
> Click on a thunbnail to get a midsize image. Click on
> a midsize image to get a fullsize image.
>
> There seems to be a partial blockage in the oil
> passage to the forward rocker shaft oiler.
>
> The tip of the stem of the exhaust valve on cylinder
> three is gouged.
>
> >From what I can see by peeking through the intake and
> exhaust passages, all of the valves have a fair
> coating of carbon, and the stems seems to have a
> sticky amount of varnish.
>
> I guess that the next thing to do is to either rebuild
> the head myself or take it to a shop.
>
> Right now, though, I need a rest!
>
> Dave Duricy
>
>
>
>
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