Valve Guide Inner Diameter

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2006 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Valve guides tend to wear in an hourglass pattern. The ball gauge can be inserted into the combustion chamber side of the valve guide if necessary.

Fig 1: Measuring Valve Guide Inner Diameter

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Use a ball gauge to determine the inner diameter of the valve guides in 2 directions at the top, middle and bottom of the valve guide.
Measure the ball gauge with a micrometer.

Fig 2: Measuring Ball Gauge With Micrometer
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If the valve guide is not within specifications, ream the valve guide and install a valve with an oversize stem or remove the valve guide and install a new valve guide.