Changing VSOS will engine / head in situ

[Error404]

I'm burning a little oil and setting a slightly smokey idle, breather system is clean and in good nick, so I'm thinking the VSOS need changing perhaps - any BTDT with the head in situ?

[terrybullwon]

I done it with the head off Alex I would not like to do it with the head on at all!

[spink]

with the special tools/compressor its fairly straightforward

[Error404]

cheers James.... what sort of spring compressor do I need?

[spink]

cant seem to find a link of it atm but it bolts to the cam cap threads,you also need an adaptor for the end of an airline so you can fill each cylinder full of air to keep the valves in contact with the head,had one on loan a few years back

[denniselbows]

You could all ways take a spark plug out and feed some rope in to the cylinder (keeping one end out so you can pull it out again) then turn the engine over by hand untill it locks up then you can remove the valve springs with out worrying about the valves falling in then repeat the proses whit the cylinders. It my take a wile and aven may just as be quick to take the head off but there isn't the cost off a head gasket set and maybe even a head skim.

[Error404]

nice idea - its was avoiding the gasket set and head bolts I was thinking of really

Interested to see that spring comrpessor James if you ever find it again, sounds just like the proper audi tool

[martinjs]

There are two special tools for the job, 2036 is a long bar which bolts to the cam cap studs and 541/5 is a lever which pivots from it.

[martinjs]

See pic here

http://www.zdmak.com/wbstore/main.asp?action=PROD&PROD=VA60106022X&CTMP=1&LowCt=0

[Error404]

good info, cheers. thats an expensive tool set!

[JP]

Smoke on startup is Stem Seals as their only function is to stop oil dripping down the stems whilst the engine is of.

Smoke under load is rings.

Smoke on over run or idle is guides or worn/narrowed valve stems.

As for changing them in situ. Did it once took about 5-6hrs. Using an old sparklead and bringing the piston to TDC on each cylinder to stop the valves dropping. Tool wise I chopped an old spring compressor in half and welded a bracket to it that allowed me to bolt it to the camcap studs.

[pixsaudisex2]

when my vsos went the thing shot oil out on idle as well.
The only time it was clear was on wot. it was a good excuse to go fast i thought..lol

But i would only do this with the head of in my arms lol..

[Error404]

hmm. well no smoke on start-up which I guessfrom what JP said means its more likely worn guides / stems rather than the seals passing some oil

[Sleeper_Avant]

leave my car ticking over for more than a few mins and it gets blue smokey, this is normaly turbo smoke.
pick the revs up to 1500rpm and see if it clears, if so then seals in turbo are going south when oil pressure is low.

[Gazjen]

Sorry to drag up an old thread but thought it would be better to add to this rather than starting a new thread as this is what mine has started doing

from cold start up it smokes if you let it Idle it continues to smoke but take it for a run come back and its fine I was thinking it was VSOS anyone got any ideas I'm hoping it's not turbo related it's only done 1K miles from brand new (recon)
Thanks
Gaz