I have a pq 290 with twin 7.4ls and one has a oil consumption issue, they have 780hrs and i have narrowed it down to worn valve guides and seals. Looking to have the heads reworked. The question is this....do I need to find a "marine" machine shop or will any regular automotive machine shop work?? I have been told that a marine head is much different than automotive head, maybe so but i would't amagine that a good automotive shop couldn't do a valve job, guides and seals??? Thanks for any info....

If you have to use a primarily automotive shop do there homework for them. There are differances but at lower HP levels they are less critical (but still critical none the less). The valves take a beating in a marine engine so its one of those areas where you want everything just right. I agree though any good quality shop should be able to handle the basics.

thanks for the reply, i have been refered by my trusty dealer to a machine shop that has been doing all there machine work for over 25 yrs. I talked to them yesterday, told them all about my oil cinsumption issue, went over all the test results and he said they do marine heads all the time for the same issues im having. they gave me that warm fuzzy feeling....im gonna pull the heads off this week and get the ball rolling...no more oil slick following me. I figured id go ahead and get this problem fixed before the boating season gets here. thanks again..