Triumph Repair: 1500 valve guides, triumph engines, valve guides

Question
Had previously communicated with Jim but he seems to have disappeared.
Our 1500 head is off and verified not warped. Any way we can tell if the valve
guides should be replaced? It was not running when we got it (though the
engine started fine) but there was no sign of oil on the plugs. There is just a
tiny bit of movement between the stem and guide. Should guides be replaced
with new valves as well?
Thanks Roger

Answer
Hi Roger & Chris,
Valve stem to guide clearance is small and without ball gauges and mikes it would be difficult for me to tell you how much clearance you will feel.
I will attempt to give you a little in sight as how to check it. Most valve guides ware in an oval shape, the most ware is in line with the rocker arm. So with the valve just about an eight of an inch off of it's seat, carefully move the head of the valve toward and away from the rocker arm shaft and note how much it moves. (it will move a little) Then move the head of the valve toward the front of the engine and to the rear and note how much it moves. If they seem to be the same they are probably are ok. If you are still in doubt find an experienced mechanic or auto machine shop and ask if that seems ok.
Or just ask your local machine shop to measure them.
stem to guide clearance is,
.0007" to .0023" on the intake
.0015" to .003"  on the exhaust
No stem seals are used on Triumph engines.
Howard