Lapping valves

[79rustyk10]

I'm working with my uncle on replacing a headgasket for a cousin of mine in a 97 escort with a 2.0. We are trying to do this as cheaply as possible, as neither of us has much for extra cash laying around right now, and I dont think dropping $600 to fix a $500 car makes any sense.

The guy at the cylinder head shop (great guy, I will be going back) says it needs a valve job to the tune of $300 because none of the exhaust valves will hold a vacuum due to the seats being worn.

My question is, would lapping the exhaust valves be good enough to last for a while?

This is for a 16 girl to get to school and work then back home, and hopfully last a year until she saves up for something better. I know lapping the valves was pretty common back in the day, but I know it wouldnt be as ideal as a valve job.

 

[British Slave]

Lapping the valves was done after grinding the valve and seat. I'm not sure you could ever do much good simply lapping, of course it depends on the condition of the seats. You may do more harm than good.

 

[Stomis]

It depends on the severity of how bad they are. Lapping the valves can take some minor stuff out and will also clean all the carbon off the mating surface.

 

[kevin400ex]

it may work short term depending on how bad they are to begin with.

 

[Fordum]

If they are burnt and chunks are gone, than no amount of lapping will help. But, if they are not too bad, you might get away with it.

Either way, this outfit probably has whatever you need to do it.

http://www.goodson.com/