Probably a question for the techs that have had opportunity to work on an AJ-26 with over 150k miles. I'm contemplating a DIY install of new valve seals.

I'm looking at symptoms that normally indicate a lot of oil going by the intake guides:

• oil consumption is about 800-1000 miles/quart and not leaving any on the ground
• tell tale pinging when increasing throttle that goes away shortly
• whisp of oil smoke when increasing throttle that goes away shortly

You guys with engine teardown experience check me on the following:
I'm pretty sure I can get to the valve seals by R&R the cams and using the old string trick to keep the valves up in the guides. I can then check for guide wear and replace the seals. If the guides aren't out of spec I'd put it back together and see if it solved the pinging and oil consumption.

Of course if the guides didn't pass muster, the heads come off and I finish it right. An "opportunity" to inspect the 170k nicasil and the lower chain tensioners.

Any idea if the Lincoln LS valve train has common parts with the old AJ-26?

Thanks for the input,
Mike