HHR SS Topics and information on the 2008-2010 Chevy HHR SS Turbocharged models.

Valve Lapping

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Old 01-27-2019, 04:56 AM
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Valve Lapping

I have my 2.0 LNF cylinder head apart to replace the valve seals. I'm not planning to grind the valves since I'm also not planning to replace pistons, liners, and rings (I.e., I don't want to freshen up the top-end, to then create excessive blow-by on the bottom end). But I was thinking of lapping the valves at least. I've done this on plenty of other engines in the past, but is there any reason I should not do this on the LNF? In other words, is there any weird nuance about the engine/head that prohibits or discourages valve lapping?

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Old 01-27-2019, 08:53 AM
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The shop manual goes into using Prussian Blue, but doesn't go into fixing a problem.
It goes into replacing guides and springs, but not valves.

My understanding is there is not much extra metal on the heads for any real machining, I don't think lapping would hurt, grinding no.
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Old 01-27-2019, 09:15 AM
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x2 ^^^^^^^^
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Old 01-27-2019, 09:34 AM
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My opinion.
Lapping the valves is to achieve a better seal, which should create better cylinder pressure. A better seal is just going to make that pressure exert on the rings.
If you're not going to replace the rings, you "may" create more blow by if the ring condition is marginal.
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Old 01-27-2019, 10:50 AM
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With that Berryman’s stuff in there ! You will have to disassemble and clean everything! So, you could replace the rings and bearings then.
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Old 01-27-2019, 01:13 PM
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Originally Posted by firemangeorge
My opinion.
Lapping the valves is to achieve a better seal, which should create better cylinder pressure. A better seal is just going to make that pressure exert on the rings.
If you're not going to replace the rings, you "may" create more blow by if the ring condition is marginal.
I was worried about this too. But my assistant thought I should consider it. Perhaps not though. That's why I wanted to get some more input from this forum. I might just clean the valves and seats lightly with brake cleaner and a soft brush, and re-assemble. I don't want to create blow-by on the rings.
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Old 01-27-2019, 02:12 PM
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Originally Posted by m_ridzon
I don't want to create blow-by on the rings.
Is the head off ? Guess it is. Level the head and fill the chambers with washer fluid and measure how fast it leaks, draining the combustion chamber, past the valve seats. Lap the valves and do it a second time. Tell us what you for found. Lapping the valves isn't going to raise the compression ratio that much, if any. Unless those valve seats and valves were toast to begin with.

Last edited by Cat Man HHR; 01-28-2019 at 03:46 AM.
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Old 01-27-2019, 07:21 PM
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I am no expert. The shop manual seems more interested in the oval ness of the port. That's what the Prussian Blue test is for
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Old 01-27-2019, 08:16 PM
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Before even consider any lapping, why not test the valves sealing first. As Cat Man HHR posted.
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Old 01-28-2019, 07:23 AM
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Maybe I missed it if you posted .. are you replacing the valve seals? If not you should be.
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