Can Mk2 8V PB stem seals be replaced without removing the head???

[Ians3422]

Hi,

I'm gonna change the timing belt on my '91 8V GTi and at the same time wanna change the valve stem seals to stop her using so much oil, and hopefully gain a bit more power?

Are there any tools out there to compress the valve springs without removing the head?

When I was a teenager I had a few fords with CVH engines (1981 mk3 escort 1.3L, 1986 mk2 Fiesta 1.4 Ghia, 1988 Orion 1.6i Ghia - those were the days!); you removed the rocker and there was a tool which bolted onto the stud to compress the spring so you could change the stem seal - can you get anything like this for the Mk2 PB engine???

The car is standard, all original with 188k on the clock and engine is solid but seems to be lacking a bit of power - she's been in the family more than 15yrs and has not been abused! Before i set her up I wanna change the distributor as suspect this is playing up too, anyone got a good one for sale before i trawl ebay?

Cheers, Ian (ian.smithson@bbesl.com if you've got a PB dizzy for sale).

[towcestervag]

it can be done with the correct tools
where are you in the country?

[Ians3422]

I'm in Biggin Hill in Kent.