So I have a 3vze with some valves that aren't seating on both heads. I was told a valve job wouldn't be cost effective and that I should just buy new heads. So if I decide to do that my question is: Is it better to buy bare "new" heads and valve components and build them myself, or should I buy "remanufactured" heads that come assembled? Cost wise both options are about the same.

 

If it costs the same you could let them do the work and warrantee it. Unless you are competent, confident and like to do it, you should just get them prebuilt.

 

What was the reason you took the heads to the machine shop? Low compression, smoking, blown head gasket? Take a good look at the heads around the water ports. There are several and corrosion IS an issue. Mine required welding prior to resurfacing. You read about people not getting many miles after a head gasket replacement of rebuild and it wouldn't surprise me if people are hoping the gasket will seal in an area does not have a good sealing surface.

It would be nice if your shop would leave the springs off so you could see what is really happening. Without the springs you could get a feel of the valves and if they are not seating due to interference between the stem and the guide, bent valve, bad guide???

 

What was the reason you took the heads to the machine shop? Low compression, smoking, blown head gasket? Take a good look at the heads around the water ports. There are several and corrosion IS an issue. Mine required welding prior to resurfacing. You read about people not getting many miles after a head gasket replacement or rebuild and it wouldn't surprise me if people are hoping the gasket will seal in an area that does not have a good sealing surface.

It would be nice if your shop would leave the springs off so you could see what is really happening. Without the springs you could get a feel of the valves and if they are not seating due to interference between the stem and the guide, bent valve, bad guide, bad valve sealing???

 

Who told you the valve job "wasn't cost effective"? It makes a difference if it's " random guy/guys on a forum" or your machinist..

Just exactly why aren't the valves sealing, did you crack or burn a valve or is it something a lap job will take care of?

Is this your daily driver, do you have other options for transportation, if there is a "problem" with parts or assembly what are your circumstances..

Are your heads OEM, do you care if the "new" ones are recastings?

I think could equals should here, that also assumes its a local builder because nothing beats the ability to raise hell in person, but suspect you are looking at "random seller" on ebay in which case "meh" unless it's one of the good guys you don't really know what you will get.

 

I believe the valves are bent. I have a couple good friends in town who are Toyota techs who say not to bother with the machine shops in town (because of cost and down time.) The heads would come from somewhere offline. Found a couple that ship from machine shops that offer a warranty for resurfaced heads.