Generally, when you take your heads off and take them to a machine shop to get them checked/machined (after a blown HG), is it normally necessary to remove all the springs/valve hardware from them first? I do plan on having them install the new valve guides that came with my gasket set..I don't have the equipment or knowledge really, to tear the heads down myself, but can certainly learn if I have to...

 

Yes, the springs need to come off. Removing them is very simple. You can probably rent a valve spring compressor tool. Once the spring is compressed, the locks will pop out and you can remove the spring x 16.

 

ive never disassembled a head before sending it out and most ask that i dont.

 

He's replacing the valve guides too. Can't imagine that being possible with the springs still on.

 

no u dont want to take the springs off before taking to the machine shop. most machinist want them on. u should take the rockers off and keep track of were they and assotiated parts came from. u dont want the rockers push rods or lifters in a different spot when u reassemble so be sure to keep track. numbers on em or punch holes in some cardboard to hold the parts.

 

Figured I'd post this to help anyone else out that may search for this in the future. After talking to this particular machine shop they said they want the heads exactly as they are coming off the engine. He made it a point to tell me that the manifolds had to come off...who would bring heads to a machine shop w/the manifolds still on? Anyway, he said it would void the warranty for any work done to the heads if I brought them the heads with the springs/valves etc removed...

 

So how are they going to remove the valve guides with the springs still attached?!

 

Well I doubt he got new valve guides with his gasket kit, he probably got valve seals. The probable reason they don't want it taken apart is because they may be worried that if the valve tips are mushroomed at all and he pulls the valves through the guides it could ruin the guides. Heads needing new guides are going to be fairly expensive to recondition. It is also helpful to see what condition the parts are in when you take them apart.

 

For a basic pressure check and surface, some heads need to be disassembled and some dont. On heads with small chambers where the intake valve may protrude below the deck, it is required to take the valve out unless you want to mill the valves along with the heads. If your local machine shop is suggesting that you replace the valve seals then I'd take their word for it. You got enough heat and miles in the engine to blow a head gasket so more than likely the seals are worn out or cooked as well. I've seen a couple of customers LT1 heads crack between the center head bolt hole and the water passage on the intake side of the deck when they got real hot and had to weld them up so be sure you have them do a thorough check for cracks.