is changing the valve stem oil seals on a Pinto engine without removing the head straightforward to do and any particular reasons why it shouldnt be done. Any pictures of special tool to hold down the valve spring etc would be appreciated
Thanks
Ian

In the past I have done loads of Pinto valve stem oil seal using a tool that I adapted which after setting the engine to TDC on the cylinder being worked on located under the cam then levered the valve collar down to enable the collets to be removed . If your not in a hurry I will see if I can take a photo of it at the weekend,

Don't forget to fill the cylinder with rope and then compress to keep valve in the closed position

http://nw.rhocar.org/seals.htm
This may help you!

I never found any need to back off the tappet adjustment on any that I've done . The tool shown is a similar design to the one I've used but mine is just a piece of flat steel bent into a hook shape with a hole that allows access to the colletts

We did this for an Essex Kitcar club member, it was relatively straight forward the key being the filling of the chamber through the spark plug hole with soft rope 5 to 10mm with the piston just below the plug hole then turn the crank so piston compresses the rope.
When you use the seal type hook and lever tool block all the oil drain holes in the head and use a magnet on a stick tool to take the collets off
It's not hard but is fiddly and will take more time than you expect.
Onnan injection Pinto you need to reverse the dealt tool by swapping hook and spring compressor on the tool and pull up not push down as the injection plenum is in the way.
On the whole it is easier and cheaper than pulling the head off

^ THIS ^


It seems strange using thin rope but it does work, just take your time


The other way is with a compressor and the correct fitting for the plug hole, but the rope way is fine

Thanks for the replies, i'll give it a go
Ian

My Pinto had new stem seals when rebuilt, but it also had the valve fit checked (OK) and the valves were lapped back into the seats to ensure they sealed OK. Taking the head off really isn't difficult then while you're at it you can fit new gaskets to the engine.