I had a lengthly discussion with a 27 years Volvo veteran. He said there is no tool to get down inside the recesses to compress the springs. He also said that I would have to remove the Head to do it right, otherwise he would not guarantee the work and I should reconditon the head and grind the valves, otherwise, he would not guarantee the work. $1500 quote. Volvo Dealerhip quoted an all day job and $800. Another fellow said he would do it for $200, but I do not trust the guy's work practices.

Everyone I have talked to suggests it is likely worn Valve Guides, because Leaded Fuel is not available to lubricate the top end, etc.

Also, I my 1981 244DL B21A is manual steering, no Power Steering Pump.

I just do not want to drop a valve, because it is my only car and have a very limited budget.

Ideas, Rope/String trick info, tools used, torque settings, pics, etc. would be helpful. I do all other work and I have worked on occasion as a motor mechanic and have removed a number of heads, engines, transmissions, and re-installed, but I always sent the heads to someone else to recondition and only removed manifolds and parts on the outside. I do not have any special tools, just got by with the basics.