I didn't get the "condom" with the valve stem seals. I tried to install them straight with a 12mm deep socket but the seals tore. There is no way to press them on by hand.

How do you install the valve stem seals?

 

I have a cheap plastic valve stem seal installation tool. Would probably only cost a few bucks at an auto parts store.

 

Are these the plastic installation tools?

Edit: Wrong picture of gasket alignment plastic clips - Removed

 

No, not even close. The tool I use looks like a tapered socket.

 

those appear to be gasket reainers to aid the installation of an oil pan gasket. i have had good luck with a socket and small hammer. there is aq special tool for it though. also they will slide on a little easyer if you lube the guide with motor assembly grease or trans gel.

 

I've searched Napa Online, Kragen, and Autozone... and I can't find a valve stem seal installation tool.

I did find one on Summit Racing, but it is just a knurled twist down type. It still looks cheesy and I can do that with a socket, an extension, and some hockey grip tape.

I'd like to see the plastic tool you're referring to since it sounds reasonable.

 

My digital camera is shot, if my GF comes by today I'll have her take a pic of the install tool.

 

Thanks. I'll take it to the local auto parts store to see if they can get one. It seems so stupid to take a set of heads to a shop to install seals. LOL

Anyways, I'll check later for the pics. I've trashed a 2nd seal so I'm not doing something right or I have the wrong seals. I should have got the Felpro Viton seals instead of the Edelbrock Viton Seals... maybe that is the difference.

 

Like this:

Plastic one looks about the same.

 

That's it!!

 

Great! I'll copy this and take it to the parts store.

Thanks.

 

When I replaced my seals I only had a deep socket (12mm, I think) and used the valve spring compressor as a lever, and pressed the seal until fully seated.

 

The reason your seals are tearing during installation is because you are getting them "hung up" on the "keeper" grooves, as you try and slide them down the valve stems.

The simplest, (and (by far) cheapest! ) way you can get around this, is to go to your nearest McDonald's, Wendy's or Burger King and ask for a free ( ) plastic drinking straw, and cut it down to around a 3 to 4 inch "working" length, and then slit it lengthwise so you can wrap it around your valve stem, and hold it with your fingers, while covering the keeper groove area. Lube the new valve stems seals with motor oil and slide them down the plastic straw, and over the keeper groove. Once you have the new seal down past the groove area, take your spring retainer, flip it over on it's flat side, and press the seal down onto the OD of the valve guide until it locks, (i.e. is fully seated). Remove the retainer and straw....... repeat this procedure 16 times and the job is done!

 

An interesting technique, it's worth a try.

Thanks.

 

If your getting them torn on the keeper part of the stem then you have problems. When I did mine I pushed them down as far as I could by hand, then took a deeper socket and slowly pushed them down further tapping softly with a hammer until the seals bottomed out. My felpro valve stem seals came w/ a straw type tool which is used to be put on the stem to avoid rippage but I didnt know what that was for until I was done.