Broken valve guide bosses. WTH?

**Sirayden** · 08-08-2018

Hello. I'm working on an L32 and diagnosing blue smoke at start-up after blue LS6 springs and valve stem seals were reportedly recently replaced. I figured a valve stem seal came off but it was much worse. When I looked through the spring, I could see the valve stem seal at the top of the valve but the valve guide boss was attached to it! On three separate valves, they're broken off. Can these be repaired/drilled out to fit brass ones, etc? I'm guessing someone pounded the seals on with a mini sledgehammer and deep well socket.

**Scottydoggs** · 08-08-2018

sounds like you need a new head. never heard of this one. the engine all stock still?

**BillBoost37** · 08-08-2018

When I install seals, I use a rubber mallet and a 1/4" 10mm or 12mm deep socket. Never heard of this either. If you pull the head a machine shop should be able to put new guides in.

**Scottydoggs** · 08-08-2018

with out a pic, it sounds like the seal and the part the seal is pushed on is busted off. thats a bit more then a new guide lol

**BillBoost37** · 08-08-2018

How so.. the seal goes onto the guide and seals.

**Scottydoggs** · 08-08-2018

he said its snapped off with the seal still on it. thats garbage now is it not?

**BillBoost37** · 08-08-2018

Been too long to remember.. I'm thinking it's valve guide that sticks up..but maybe not? If not.. it's new head

**ItHurtz** · 08-08-2018

in for pic

**BillBoost37** · 08-08-2018

You got a pic in chat.. from Scott.

**ItHurtz** · 08-08-2018

ops pics

**Sirayden** · 08-10-2018

Not good. Anyone have any good, used heads for sale for cheap? I guess series 2 or 3 will work. There are series 3 heads.

**GTPpower** · 08-10-2018

Wow. Never seen that.

Where are you located at? I have tons of heads sitting on the shelf.

**Sirayden** · 08-10-2018

Zip code 89147 in Vegas. Thanks.

**wstefan20** · 08-10-2018

Wow! I've got the same issue with the smoke after rebuilding my engine and my guides were replaced too. I'm wondering if the same thing happened to me.... I'll have to update once I get around to it.

**Sirayden** · 08-10-2018

You probably just had a seal come off and not the whole valve guide boss.

**wstefan20** · 08-10-2018

Originally Posted by Sirayden

You probably just had a seal come off and not the whole valve guide boss.

You're probably right. It's the one thing I didn't assemble myself and let the machine shop do. But they did replace the springs and seals so I'll just have to wait and see. Are these seals coming off a common thing? I know the boss breaking is rare.

**GTPpower** · 08-10-2018

Originally Posted by Sirayden

Zip code 89147 in Vegas. Thanks.

You're looking at about $120 a head total.

**Sirayden** · 08-11-2018

Are they series 3 heads you have? What condition are they in? Thanks

**Sirayden** · 08-11-2018

Originally Posted by wstefan20

You're probably right. It's the one thing I didn't assemble myself and let the machine shop do. But they did replace the springs and seals so I'll just have to wait and see. Are these seals coming off a common thing? I know the boss breaking is rare.

There was a service bulletin about seals coming off. I think it was mainly for the exhaust valve seals.

**GTPpower** · 08-11-2018

Originally Posted by Sirayden

Are they series 3 heads you have? What condition are they in? Thanks

They should be series 2 I believe. I would have a machine shop deck them and clean them before installing. You would have to put your own rockers on, but they come with valves and springs.