I live in the Salem area and am need of a machine shop to replace valve seats and deck my cylinder head. Talked to one earlier today, but they said that had trouble with these heads. Apparently they had a new seat fail in less than 30min, well that turned me against using them. Plus they wanted a lot for the job considering I would be supplying the seals.

 

Uh what vehicle?

 

the motor came from a 97 Escort. 2.0L SOHC

...just for clarity.

 

The only major problem with these engines are valve seat failure to due the seat material. Most engines can go 100k miles before failure, some may never fail.

 

Shepherds(downtownish roanoke) and Terry Walters(starkey road) come to mind.

 

There aren't any shops in the area I'd trust anymore.Even though this is a relatively simple procedure I still have no confidence in any of them,lol.It seems if it isn't a dumbestic 2 valve old school engine they're totally clueless.
All Honda stuff I send to Golden Eagle.They know their stuff,and usually even after paying shipping both ways,their rates are competitive with local hack shops.They will work on all makes,so you may try them.Is there anybody who specializes in that particular car/engine?I know Cosworth is big into smaller Ford engines,so maybe contact their US operation and see who they'd recommend or see if they'd do it.

It seems stupid to outsource such a simple job,but the time wasted to pull the engine back apart and/or ruin an engine due to shoddy work just isn't worth it to me.

 

To be honest, wouldn't it be more cost effective to buy a used head/rebuilt in decent shape?

 

Used head is not a good idea as they are all ticking time bombs. I can get one online, but there is the problem of warranty. There is only one place online I have found that rebuilds these heads by the AERA procedure. I may go with them if I can't find a competent shop locally.

 

Carter Machinery, Fishers Auto(Williamson Rd.), and Terry Walters are the only shops in the area that are AERA members according to AERA's site. I will probably call them sometime this week and determine who I go with. Till then I may try gasket matching the intake and exhaust ports for kicks and giggles.

 

That true? Kinda sucks because I've got an M44 block chilling in my garage that I'd like to do something with. Seems like everyone in this area only focuses on the domestics. It makes sense but you'd think there'd be someone local that does work on imports.