exhaust valve on cylinder 2

[Altiman94]

I did a leakdown test on my 89 s13 today and found out that my problem lies in my exhaust valve on cylinder two. The compression is at 31psi on that cylinder. 1, 3, and 4 checked out okay. How hard is this fix and how much much a shop charge me if I dont opt to do it myself

[Altiman94]

also, will I be able to replace the valve by just taking off the valve cover? If so, what parts will I need. The leakdown test showed the exhaust valve being the culprit as I stated before.

[Silvia007]

replacing the valve requires the head be removed. You will need a valve spring compressor. There's a posibility that it may just be due to carbon build up, I'd probably run Seafoam through a vacuum line that's nearest the throttle body. At 31 psi though, that is kinda low. Either way, you most likely have to remove the head to get an idea of whats going on. Setting up the timming on the SOHC's is a major major PITA, not like the DOHC's coz you have to get the timming chain to line up with sprocket on the crank shaft... and that will be one of the biggest pains you'll ever feel in the @$$.