DIY instructions for valve seal & ring / top end rebuild - 81 XJ550

Could someone point me to instructions or video on tearing down the top end to replace valve seals and rings?

 

Have you done either of those jobs before, on any engine?

I ask because there are some special tools that you will need in order to do the jobs properly.

 

I found your thread about oil useage.
81-xj550-maxim-white-blue-smoke-out-of-pipes.118010

Your last set of compression numbers were good, so I would be very hesitant to recommend that you hone the cylinders and put in new rings.
The valve guide seals are more likely the cause.

 

Thanks for the heads up on just doing the valve seals. Know of any info on here or other internet links that show how to replace the valve seals and other things to do while it’s apart? I don’t have any special tools for removing the retainer clips so if you could point me in the right direction for that. Thanks

 

Removing the keepers is fairly easy, I used the following trick where you stuff a rag under the head in the combustion chamber, put a socket on the spring retainer and strike it smartly with a hammer. This is with the head off the engine. I've heard of people doing it on the bike but I have no experience with that.



You will need a valve spring compressor to replace the springs and keepers. You can find them on eBay and Amazon or you can buy from chacal on this site and know you are getting the right one. While the valves are out it's a good time to clean them up and lap them.

 

Jay, that technique (in the video) is quite creative, but I wonder what an errant or off-center blow to the socket might do to the lifter bores?

 

I've gotten the keepers out using a socket and a large c-clamp, a little more controlled than the vid.
As k-Moe alluded, you'll need a valve spring compressor to get it back together.
Or you could use a c-clamp and a socket with 2 sides ground away, essentially a valve spring compressor LOL.

 

The smack the retainer with a hammer works, but is prone to marking the valve stems, I only do it if the valves are going in the bin (taking comments about the lifter bores into consideration also).

 

Those are all good points on the hammer method. I shall probably refrain from that in the future. First time valve job and didn't have a compressor yet.

 

Thanks for the info !

 

It's a hateful job without a bench-top compressor - getting the keeper back in is worse pita too. Bon chance.