Valve Seat Reconditioning

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Inspect the valve stem-to-guide clearance (see VALVE STEM-TO-GUIDE CLEARANCE INSPECTION ). If the valve guides are worn, replace them (see VALVE GUIDE REPLACEMENT ) before cutting the valve seats.
Renew the valve seats in the cylinder head using a valve seat cutter.

Fig 1: Installing Valve Seats In Cylinder Head Using Valve Seat Cutter
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Carefully cut a 45 ° seat, removing only enough material to ensure a smooth and concentric seat.
Bevel the upper and lower edge at the angles shown in the illustration. Check the width of the seat and adjust accordingly.

Fig 2: Identifying Upper And Lower Edges Angles
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Make one more very light passes with the 45 ° cutter to remove any possible burrs caused by the other cutters.
Intake Valve Seat Width

Standard (New): 1.25-1.55 mm (0.0492-0.0610 in)

Service Limit: 2.00 mm (0.0787 in)

Exhaust Valve Seat Width

Standard (New): 1.25-1.55 mm (0.0492-0.0610 in)

Service Limit: 2.00 mm (0.0787 in)
After resurfacing the seat, inspect it for even valve seating. Apply Prussian Blue compound (A) to the valve face. Insert the valve in its original location in the head, then lift it and snap it closed against the seat several times.

Fig 3: Applying Prussian Blue Compound On Valve Face
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
The actual valve seating surface (B), as shown by the blue compound, should be centered on the seat:
- If it is too high (closer to the valve stem), you must make a second cut with the 67.5 ° cutter (intake seat) or the 60 ° cutter (exhaust seat) to move it down, then one more cut with the 45 ° cutter to restore seat width.
- If it is too low (closer to the valve edge), you must make a second cut with the 30 ° cutter to move it up, then one more cut with the 45 ° cutter to restore seat width.
NOTE: The final cut should always be made with the 45 ° cutter.
Insert the intake and exhaust valves in the head, and measure the valve stem installed height (A).
Intake Valve Stem Installed Height

Standard (New): 46.75-47.55 mm (1.8405-1.8720 in)

Service Limit: 47.80 mm (1.8819 in)

Exhaust Valve Stem Installed Height

Standard (New): 46.68-47.48 mm (1.8378-1.8693 in)

Service Limit: 47.73 mm (1.8791 in)

Fig 4: Measuring Valve Stem Installed Height
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
If the valve stem installed height is over the service limit, replace the valve and recheck. If it is still over the service limit, replace the cylinder head; the valve seat in the head is too deep.