Gentlemen/Ladies-
I had posted on a severe seemingly random misfire some days back and our sage respondents suggested a compression check, based on my having eliminated all non-mechanical causes that seemed reasonable or at all likely. Here is what I got on cyls 1 thru 5:
175, 180, 190, 180, and...30. On resetting codes and rechecking once they came back, there were multiple misfires on different cyls but #5 was always on the list. A spoon of oil in the #5 cyl didn't change anything so it seems confirmed it is an upper end issue (valves and/or head gasket).

This is a very used car but has served me extremely well and taken us many beautiful places. I was hoping for a few years more use.

I understand that dealers offer a remanufactured head and parts for rebuilding would be available aftermarket. Does anyone have experience with head rebuilds or head replacements they want to share? I don't have the facility to replace an entire engine - nor do I want to go that far.

As always, thanks for your responses and for contributing to a great board.

ksg

That is a bummer :(

You won't need to replace the engine, and the head can be fixed. One of the two intake valves, or both, have to be replaced on #5. There are machine shops in the Bay area that can refurbish heads and replace valves. There should be no damage to the top surface of the block, but it will need to be checked for level.
Figure about $300 to machine the block and get new valve seats, extras like valves and seals not included - I suggest checking all 20 seals/guides while the head is out.

Before you remove the head, set the crank to TDC and take pics of the cams when the cover plate comes off. Replace the cam seals.

Send an Email to Rule308; he might have a suggestion to a shop in your area even though he is in LA proper. Oh, you can't do that until you register your handle with the Brickboard - so, stick your name and email addr on the BB, it's safe.

Good luck,

Klaus
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I still miss my 164 and my 854T. Just driving a V70R :)