Why are you having the head resurfaced? Why are you pulling the head when you dont know whats wrong?

An engine can be 100% diagnosed without pulling the head. I would strongly advise against pulling the head until you are certain the cause of your problem.

Leakdown test will tell you EXACTY what is wrong with the car, if you have any bent/burnt valves.

 

Err, I failed to mention new info in the last post. Cylinder 1 miserably failed a leakdown and looks like an exhaust valve.

As far as resurfacing, I was just assuming that's standard practice.

I've been avoiding driving the car, but the little I have, it seems to be going downhill FAST...especially when it warms up (and I'm sure the insane heat here isn't helping..110 heat index).

 

Ok, I finally got around to removing the head - had to have an exhaust valve in cylinder 1 replaced and I had them replace all the valve guides while they were at it.

So, all was well until I started looking it over and I noticed they definitely used some of the AP1 cotters with the AP2 retainers and vice versa when they did the valve job.

Is this a big deal? Can I just swap them and everything be kosher?

Any help is appreciated

 

AP2 Retainers MUST have AP2 cotters/keepers. No getting around that. Did they put all new AP2 retainers in? A picture of them all might help. There is a visible difference between AP2 retainers and AP1 retainers.

 

Can't get a pic at the moment. I can easily change the cotters - my main concern is does their valve seating and whatever else was done rely on having the proper keepers in? I know they need to be replaced before the head is reinstalled and run, but if I do that will it ruin the valve seating?

I guess my question is do I absolutely have to take it back and point out the issue or can I just replace things and have it work (because I do have extra to swap in and it won't cost me a dime)