Changing valve stem oil seals (big job, little job?)

[mk28vpb91]

I'll get my gauge out at the weekend. Is there anything I should know, I assume that I:

-Need to take all plugs out (anything else needed to be disconnnected?)
-Connect compression tester
-Have assistant turn engine over with throttle fully open
-Check reading and repeat on all cylinders.

If the compression number are low and it's the piston rings then squirting oil will down the spark plug hole should result in better compression. Otherwise I guess I definitely have a problem.

[golfvr6]

Disable or ground the ignition system, remove the fuse for fuel pump. If compression is low then add a teaspoon of oil, if improves then worn piston ring/bore, if no improvement then worn valve seat/guide.

[richandhazel]

They reckon that changing the seals would only be a temporary fix and that dodgy guides were probably the cause of premature seal failure. This sounds reasonable, as I suppose that worn guides would make the seals work harder. Any opinions?

In the meantime I will keep an eye on consumption and try to grin and bear the embarassment of a smokey motor.

In my experience, valve guide oil seals do fail without there being anything wrong with the valve guides. The rubber becomes hard and brittle and then fails.
Well worth trying the compression check to identify whether you have a problem with the valves, just in case.