Hey! I’m working on a project car which is a 1994 Pontiac Sunbird. It’s got a brown head gasket so in the process of replacing them I’m checking/replacing a lot of other things while it’s all disassembled. But I digress, the intake valve on the left most side leaks when I spray carb cleaner into it. All the other both intake and exhaust seal fine. Even on the other cylinder head. I’m a bit puzzled on what to do next. Should I just junk the thing? I wouldn’t like too, but if it’s genuinely not worth it. Is it something I can fix? I’m in the south Jersey area so there’s gotta be engine rebuilding shops near me but I’m not sure on what to look for. Can I just try to clean it or something or does the whole thing need to be replaced? As a side question; if I theoretically put it back together with the leaking valve what would happen?
In the old days we'd just replace a bad valve and match it to the head using valve lapping compound for a good seal. If the valve isn't too bad and needs just a little cleanup you could even re-use it. (I still have my old valve lapping tool and compound around somewhere.) For a weekend toy you may be able to get away with a minimal repair like that depending on the condition of the valve and valve seat. Of course if it's a real mess (like valve seat badly pitted) repair of the head by a machine shop would be needed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPCrR-R7cTY
that depends entirely where it leaks? The valve seat, or the valve stem?
