Need to know if a DIY job is realistic

[dinosabella]

My 77 burns blue smoke at start up so it's time for a little valve and valve stem seals work from what I have been told. I am wondering how realistic it would be for a DIY'er to do this type of work. I would occasionally be assisted by a former Lexus/Toyota mechanic.

I am located in Montreal, I would also consider having my head rebuilt if anyone can recommend a good/fair shop in or around town.

Thanks

[dmwhiteoak]

Go far it, it's not that big of a deal and you will save some $ and enjoy it all the while. Haven't had alot of experience with 4 cly motors but alot on v-8. With a mech. At your side , nothing to worry about.

[azruss]

your biggest issue is the investment in tools and knowing what to do with grinding, honing, and laping. This is stuff your mechanic friend can help you with. Need to find out if he has the tools for removing the valves. If not, best to yank the head yourself and take to a machinist. This way, you've done 90% of the labor. Buy all the components yourself...this saves the mechanics mark-up.

[Spiderinmlnj]

Whatoil are you using?
My 82 left a blue cloud behind it when i first bought it last summer.
An oil change with rotella and a tin of Restore = no more blue smoke when running.
Occasional puff of blue smoke if i havem't run it for a few weeks.

[124JOE]

most of these cars smoke a bit at startup.its if it smokes all the time and fowling plugs,when to do a valve seals job