Valve stem oil seals

[paulbaker1954]

I seem to recall a post somewhere claiming you can change valve stem oil seals without pulling the head off

Can anyone provide any guidance on procedure to do this if it can be done?

[Bryanj]

something to do with stuffing thick string down the plug hole but i don't like that idea

[kettle738]

It can allegedly be done with a spark plug adapter made to take an air line so that air pressure holds the valves closed while you use a tool to depress the springs, remove the collets  etc.

It sounds like it should work......having never done it or tried I'd be interested to know if it can be done that way

Mick.

[Trigger]

The indian rope trick can be done with larger engines but, I see this pointless as you will not be able to check the condition of the valve face, seat or guide. Lot easier to pop the head off and do the job right.

[Seabeowner]

Years ago an official VW dealer changed the seals on my Golf with the air line method I believe. If the piston is at TDC on compression, would the valve still be retrievable if it dropped, so you could get another go?