Has anyone changed theirs with the heads in place using rope or compressed air?

 

Why not just put some of that seal expander in the oil...expands the rubber 4% and would be good for the crank seals too.

 

Since I can't find any trace of anyone doing this job on the car with the heads still in place, that may be the only easy option. At the moment it is no big deal, just an occasional puff of smoke on start up. I wouldn't pull the heads off at this stage, too much expense involved to do that.

Doing the job on the Merc was pretty easy.

 

Sounds like a trace of oil going down a stem and then burning off at startup so the oil additive would expand and soften the seals. In the UK its called "Engine Stop Leak" I would be looking at compressed air myself ..simple plug adaptor and 90 psi .Keep the compressor running !