Morning Smoker

[larryd]

My '96 Passat TDI with 230k miles wakes up each morning with a puff of blue/gray smoke. Is it worthwhile generally to replace the valve seals only or better to replace both seals and guides? The compression is good on all cylinders.

Larry

[Seatman]

I would look at ways to replace the valve seals without removing the head, some put string down the bore then raise the piston to hold the valves up, some have used compressed air to blow the valves up while refitting the collets. Sounds mad but I can see the logic otherwise I don't think I'd bother. I would put it under the heading of "if it aint broke why fix it".

[kamesama980]

I've tried both methods (air and rope) for just that reason and I'd have to say the rope method is about a thousand times easier. Use a slick braided rope (eg: white nylon stuff) rather than twisted or rough.