Cleanliness of cylinder heads

[kevinspann]

Here we have the inside of the front head

And the rear

The oil staining in the rear seems to be darker overall, while the front has just a couple places that are a little darker.

My question is, does the darker staining indicate and issue like valve stem seals that are bad? Or something else?

This is at 298,*** miles, so obviously the car has had regular oil changes over the years.



Thanks.

 

[jimtash]

The rear head being darker is indicative of the PCV system. It pulls the most from the left (front) head where it's directly attached to the intake.

The varnish is because of the type of oil used. Mobil 1 is the best oil out there that keeps the internals clean from my own experience. The engine in your pics is not bad considering the mileage.

Advanced Auto has been running some really good oil specials as of late.

 

[rubydist]

I agree.

And, at 298k, you need to replace the valve stem seals, no matter how good the inside of the head looks.

 

[dohcsable]

That engine has known penzoil.......




and what ruby said.....

 

[SeanMc]

The darker means it will be easier to torch at 300k.

 

[kevinspann]

I really don't feel like pulling the cams out. That engine has known countless quick **** oil changes over the years, from the receipts that I have.

 

[K-Dawg]

Runs fine, doesn't burn a bunch of oil? Put it back together and drive it.

 

[jimtash]

Runs fine, doesn't burn a bunch of oil? Put it back together and drive it.

I'd check the shim gaps while it's torn down. Other than that, agree.