I'm in the middle of a cam swap, and I am stuck on the new valve stem seals-they don't want to go in too easy. I was wodnering if that was normal, and if anybody has any other suggestions on how to get them in. I was planning on using a long socket. A helm's description would really be great right now! Thanks guys

 

First off you'll want to install your valve spring shims.

Once you've got that, slide the plastic sleeve that came with the seals over the valve stem. This protects the seal as it slides over the edges of the valve stem. You need to keep the valve from moving away from you... so get the piston to TDC on each cylinder you work on otherwise the valve it will move down, crushing the sleeve into the keeper groove, ruining the sleeve.

If you're using teflon seals then you're gonna need to heat them up a bit... otherwise they are gonna be a royal PITA to install. Sit them under a work lamp or something that can warm them up and you'll have a much easier go on the install.

Lubricate the sleeve a bit and slide the seal onto the stem and down to the valve guide. To seat it on the valve guide you can use an old valve retainer (helps to push the bugger on) or anything that will slide over the valve stem. Then push em on.

-Mindgame

 

thanks for you help, went on great