few questions on valve stem seals (VR6)

[mush]

Thanks for all responses, I think I'm going down the exchange head option. c & r enterprises do head exchanges for  600 ported and polished upgraded internals, and only a few miles away. Just worried about bottom end if pistons are shot or rings. Can rings be changed without stripping down as well? Anyone used c and r enterprises of Nottingham for any head work?

[tweed]

Why dont you try cheap option first, a thicker decent oil.

[Gti_Jamo]

Yeah a bit extreme for just a stem seal/guide problem considering (if you strip the head yourself) it's a relitively cheap fix. Your rings should be fine with your compression figures but no harm in a leak down test to confirm. Rings aren't bad to change with the head off. You'll need the sump off too though.

[mush]

Why dont you try cheap option first, a thicker decent oil.

im running it this week to work and back to see how much oil its burning. i'll report back all levels topped up, only time will tell, as for them bumper huggers stay away unless you want burnt oil up your chuffer

[mush]

Yeah a bit extreme for just a stem seal/guide problem considering (if you strip the head yourself) it's a relitively cheap fix. Your rings should be fine with your compression figures but no harm in a leak down test to confirm. Rings aren't bad to change with the head off. You'll need the sump off too though.

cheers jamo, ive contacted c and r on the head exchange, he has mentioned rings as well which is a fair cop but i really dont know until the heads removed. ive been told these engines are as stronge as you like but begining to wonder....

[Gti_Jamo]

They are very strong engines but high milers suffer with irregular bore wear especially nubmer 6. (Front right as you look at engine). Your symptoms describe what my last two vr's had. Worn stem seal due to excessivly worn exhaust valve guides. Common issue. Was never bad enough to fix them on mine. Basically once you close the throttle the oil is sucked past the seals due to the back pressure in the exhaust. Going down hills would make it appear worse. You could avoid it by leaving throttle slightly open or dipping the clutch instead of coasting in gear but not really practical. As for rings, if it's not smoking under load and there is no excessive blow back via the oil filler cap or breathers then they should be fine.

[mush]

so update for you all, ive topped oil off to exact mark on dip stick at the top of the dotted lines and its gone down by 2 of the lines, i understand from top to bottom is around a litre and its been over a 2 week peroid.

im still getting blue smoke on let off so i can rule out bad fuel now. i was thinking of getting another engine and doing a rebuild on this then swapping them out and running the old engine until the new rebuilt ones in.

just hope it holds on for now.

[VW BUSH]

so update for you all, ive topped oil off to exact mark on dip stick at the top of the dotted lines and its gone down by 2 of the lines, i understand from top to bottom is around a litre and its been over a 2 week peroid.

im still getting blue smoke on let off so i can rule out bad fuel now. i was thinking of getting another engine and doing a rebuild on this then swapping them out and running the old engine until the new rebuilt ones in.

just hope it holds on for now.

If the seals have gone you will be fine to drive it, just being aware that you will soot the engine up more and be pumping out more smoke as they wear out.
This could get you attention from vosa or the fuzz if your laying smoke, and fail an MOT when it becomes due.
If it is a ring/rings then they could go and your engine will fail forcing the issue.
Just start saving up, if you can do it get a complete engine and build it up on the bench with new chains and seals etc.

[leigh_harty]

They're pretty easy engines to work on thanks to them being old skoool  Just got to get over the initial 'scared of ruining' phase 

[mush]

so update for you all, ive topped oil off to exact mark on dip stick at the top of the dotted lines and its gone down by 2 of the lines, i understand from top to bottom is around a litre and its been over a 2 week peroid.

im still getting blue smoke on let off so i can rule out bad fuel now. i was thinking of getting another engine and doing a rebuild on this then swapping them out and running the old engine until the new rebuilt ones in.

just hope it holds on for now.

If the seals have gone you will be fine to drive it, just being aware that you will soot the engine up more and be pumping out more smoke as they wear out.
This could get you attention from vosa or the fuzz if your laying smoke, and fail an MOT when it becomes due.
If it is a ring/rings then they could go and your engine will fail forcing the issue.
Just start saving up, if you can do it get a complete engine and build it up on the bench with new chains and seals etc.

engine stand now purchased set up and ready
im still looking round for a new engine theres loads of obd 2s coming up but no obd1s, my engines holding out but rattling from the chains now, i think the poor things at the end of its 130,000 miles life something going to blow soon i can feel it