How far to go?

[JConnerly]

So I need to change my timing belt to replace the tensioner bearing. On pulling the spark plugs I see that all four are now very sooty. I know that I am leaking oil down the valve guides. I checked the compression a month ago and all four cylinders where 150 almost on the nose. I had the valves adjusted about the same time and it has been running extremely well except for a little puff of blue smoke on starting and when first starting out. So, while I have the front of the engine apart to replace the timing belt, water pump and various bearings and seals, would now be a good time to just go ahead and pull the head off and have a valve job done?

[Divers]

Really depends on your cash flow....it can get real spendy the deeper down the rabbit hole you go.

[131]

Sooty plugs is more likely to be fuel , not oil. If it's only a puff of smoke occasionally it's not worth pulling the head or worrying about the guide seals. The valve guide seals can be done with the head on, but it's a lot easier with the head on the bench.

[majicwrench]

For me, no way. If it ain't broke don't fix it. TIming belt and tensioner, a seal or two, right back on road enjoy whats left of summer.
And not just the money, but it is a slippery slope, people will tell you it needs this, needs that, new this, new that, months later you finally get it back together and start trying to chase down all the loose ends, leaks, and try to get it running right again.
Drive it. Keep it on the road. A puff of smoke, so what??
Keith

[131]

Drive it. Keep it on the road. A puff of smoke, so what??

X2

[burlybryan]

Drive it. Keep it on the road. A puff of smoke, so what??

X2

X3! Sounds like my car. Plus my head gasket leaks externally onto my exhaust (it's not the dizzy or exh. manifold bolts). Not enough reason for me to pull the head yet.

Drive it unless you have the extra cash or are interested in the diy project over winter. The belt/pulley/seal job isn't a "while you're there" situation to justify pulling the head.

[fiat218]

Really depends on your cash flow....it can get real spendy the deeper down the rabbit hole you go.

Rabbit. Hole. Lol.