Valve stem seals 4.2l

[gpotts200]

Jeep has started smoking a little on startup after it has been turned off for a while. It only smokes when first started, then it stops  Thinking it is leaking valve stem seals.  Any thoughts on how to determine if it is the sels without ripping into the engine?  It is a 4.2l engine.

[hillbilly]

its very very likely its the seals. not a very hard job you dont even need to pull the head.

[gpotts200]

I understand that you can either use rope pushed into the spark plug hole or or an air compressor to keep the valve from dropping into the cylinder, do you know much about either of these procedures?

[hillbilly]

yep done both. the 4.2 doesnt need the valves adjusted, so you can pull the rocker arms off easy , just keep them in their respective places. an air compressor works the best for it. you need a spring compressor, i have the lever type and it works fine. the little keepers are a fit sometimes so i use a stick magnet to remove them.

[gpotts200]

Do you remember wht type of rope, size and how much you need. My compressor does not have a storage tank, would suck if it failed or lost power during the work. It is a good excuse to buy a new compressor!

[hillbilly]

large enough to fit easily but snuggly into the spark plug hole, and just a couple of feet. i pull all the plugs and do one cylinder at a time. i put the rope in the cylinder then hand rotate the crank so the rope presses up into the head. it keeps the valve tight.