Oily spark plug

[thorn14]

So what exactly is the process for changing the seals? I was under the impression for some reason that the valves could stay put even though it'd be more difficult. That picture of the rocker explains I may have not fully understood the problem as I didn't have the bike open and was just reading forums.

[Howie]

They can, but the valves must be held in place so they don't drop down and caution must be used to not scratch the valve stem.

[desmodoktor]

So what exactly is the process for changing the seals? I was under the impression for some reason that the valves could stay put even though it'd be more difficult. That picture of the rocker explains I may have not fully understood the problem as I didn't have the bike open and was just reading forums.

It's pretty easy to remove the seals ... I have a tiny little Niddle nose plier (doctor style ) with that and a tiny little screwdriver to support the seal while pulling , it comes out easy .. same process for installation.. oil helps too ...

[thorn14]

Okay cool. That's what I figured. Just ease it around the rocker. 

[desmodoktor]

Okay cool. That's what I figured. Just ease it around the rocker. 

if you are gona go for it let us know if that solved your problem

[JoeP]

Okay cool. That's what I figured. Just ease it around the rocker. 

I've read that you can put the piston at TDC, remove the shim stack, then rotate the engine so the valve stem is below the closing rocker. This should give you enough clearance to replace the valve seal. Can anyone vouch for this?

[thorn14]

Yeah, from what I understood it was similar to checking valve clearances, and the valve would drop and hit the piston/be held in place with forceps or otherwise. The rocker arm being in close proximity and requiring care in order to not damage the new seals is what I was concerned with from the earlier pictures.

I won't be making the seal swap for another week or two.

[MadDuck]

valve stem seals usually rely on a little coil spring inside or outside the seal to keep tension on the seal. You don't want to damage that spring or all your work will be for naught. It's not like you can safely stretch the seal onto the valve stem. If you cannot get the seal clean and easy on the valve stem then you will need to pull the rocker shaft and rocker. That is not a big deal in and of itself. One way to hold the valves closed is to use air pressure down the spark plug hole.