Valve Guides

Valve guides are the part of the cylinder head where the valve stems slide up and down. Worn valve guides allow engine oil to travel down the valve stem and then enter the cylinder where it is burned. This oil can also cause deposits to develop on the top of the valves or the spark plugs. Valve guide repairs must be performed with the cylinder head off the engine and are usually part of a complete "valve job". This type of cylinder head work is usually performed by a specialty shop called a "machine shop" where the cylinder head is taken after it is removed from the engine.