Q: Can broken valve springs and defective valve stem seals be replaced without removing the cylinder heads on Honda Del Sol?
A: The valve springs get broken and the valve stem seals get defective can be replaced without going for Cylinder Heads, with usual two tools namely; an air compressor and a valve spring compressor. The first step is to take the Valve Cover and the spark plug of the cylinder which is affected, or of all, if changing all the valve stem seals. Rotate the crankshaft until the fork of the piston is on TDC on the compression stroke for one cylinder at a time in the order of firing. Take out the Rocker Arms and shafts and insert an adapter in place of a spark plug and connect a compressor to the hose. Use compressed air to push the valves in position; if air pressure is lost, there may be problems with the valve faces or seats. However, if compressed air is not available, position the piston before top dead centre and use nylon rope to fill the combustion chamber leaving the end of the rope retrievable. Pile up some stuff around the valve holes so that no debris get into the engine then use a valve spring compressor to compress the spring and thereafter, remove the keepers. Take off the spring retainer, shield, spring and guide seal; then secure the stem with a rubber band or tape and depressurize the cylinder. Check the valve stem for scratches or nicks and ensure that it slides smoothly in its guide; if it sticks, then there may be more complex repairs or replacements in the offing. Apply air pressure to hold the valve in and lubricate the stem of the valve using clean engine oil, and fit a new guide seal, and for identification of the intake and exhaust valves one uses colours. The tightly wound coils of the spring should then be placed close to the cylinder head, and then place the spring retainer together with the keepers, with grease used in order to secure them into position. Release stress by tightening jaw of spring tool and disconnect the air hose and pull the adapter as well. Last but not least, reassemble the rocker arm assembly, valve cover, and spark plugs and then starts the engine and ensured for oil leakage and any strange noise.