Should I bother with valves?

[javatrooper]

Just picked up a '93 sport 4.0L with supper high mileage (over 220,000) with rod knock. Picked up a '92 Larado w/93000 miles but no papers. So, I'm putting the low mileage engine in the '93. My plan is to replace all seals and gaskets first.

While the head is off, should I bother with resurfacing the valves with that grinding paste and the suction cup thing, so should I not hassle with it? Don't want to have to clean and wash the entire head to remove the paste if that is possible. Don't really have the proper stuff to do a through cleaning. Or--should I just have a valve job done professionally? This is a low budget build here.

I don't believe this engine has any valve problems to begin with.

Also, any tips for adjusting the valves?

Thanks

[MagicRat]

The grinding paste and suction cup does not resurface valves.It will have absolutely no benefit for you. (BTW, it's called "lapping" the valves, not "grinding".)

You need a machine shop with sprcialized valve and seat grinding equipment to do valves properly. Lapping is only done after such a professional valve grinding job.

These engines usually last a very long time, with minimal problems. Unless there are obviousl problems, this engine should not need any work, for a long time.

It is a VERY good idea to remove the oil pan and install a new oil pump. Otherwise, if the '92 engine runs well and does not leak oil, leave it alone.

If you are ambitious, remove the bearing caps and take a peek. Plasticgauge the bearings and replace them if they look bad. Otherwise, leave it alone

[javatrooper]

I forget the proper terms, it's been over 25 years since hs autoshop. Thanks for reminding me that lapping is done after valve jobs.

it does leak oil seemingly everywhere, hence the new seals and gaskets. If I check the clearance on the oil pump and it seems okay, do you still think I need a new pump?

[wrightz28]

On the oil leak, I just developed a leak from the filter adapter and it quickly makes a huge mess, thought every gasket under the sun was leak and I was pissed since the engine was just rebuilt and re-sealed. After wiping everything down, I tracked it to a minute leak from the adapter gasket that would traill down everthing making it look like the pan and rear main were leaking.