Checking the valve guides (VW Transporter T3)

When repairing a cylinder head with leaky valves, it is not enough to simply treat or replace the valves and seats. It is essential to check the wear of the valve guides. Worn guides do not provide a centered valve seat and cause increased oil consumption. If the wear is very severe, it is necessary to either ream the guides or replace them (work in the workshop).

Remove deposits in the guide bushings using a reamer.

Insert a new valve, clamp the cylinder head in a vice with the combustion chamber facing up. The end of the valve stem should be covered by the guide from below.



Using a suitable dial indicator, determine the clearance when moving the valve head in both directions. The valve guide bushing should be replaced if the clearance exceeds 1.2 mm (work at a service station).