If you followed my other threads about burning oil, thanks for the replys. So I decided to see what level of effort was going to be required to replace my stem seals WITH the engine still in the frame. I picked up a spring compressor at Autozone and decided to practice on the original head that was in my bike. It was locked from sitting 15 years and I found another engine locally and popped it in figuring I'd rebuild the original later. I was growing dishearted knowing Honda didn't put stems seals on the exhaust valves and knowing I may have no other option down the road than new guides (and valves.. and finding someone to do it.. etc). I get one exhaust valve off and I find a stem seal. Oddly, all 4 exhaust valves have stem seals. Whatever was done was done a long time ago. I bought it in 1988 and it sat in my Mother's basement all those years. The bike was a 1973. I'm hoping someone put new guides in it and didn't just jam stem seals on it (that would be my luck). And speaking of my luck, look at the bearing surface. It looks damaged. There is nothing obvious on my camshaft but I may have swapped the cam into another engine I have. And it might be in a bike I sold, not sure. I planned on replacing the stem seals, cleaning up the valves and trying it out but I'd hate to sieze anything if that bearing surface is shot. Then again, if I did, I could pop the guides and valves out and put them in another head?
