Should I really need to beat the **** out of the valve stem seal to get it to go down on the OD of the valve stem?

I've applied oil to both the OD of the valve stem as well as the ID of the valve stem seal...

I've read the thread where one mentions using a straw to get it over the keeper grooves - check, did that, have no problems getting it down to the valve stem but then trying to get it around the OD of the valve stem guide is next to impossible for me.

I've tried flipping the spring retainer over to the flat side and then pushing down - nope, won't budge.

I've tried, while the spring retainer was flat side against the valve stem seal, taking a 12mm deep socket and pressing down... nope, won't budge.

I've also tried, while having the spring retainer flat side down and the 12mm socket in place, tried "softly" tapping the valve stem seal down.

Alas, that bastard won't go on.

What am I missing here?

 

Hmmm, they shouldn't be that hard. I have a cheap plastic install tool, and a firm push will seat them properly.

 

Alright, I totally got owned by Summit. I looked up the part number and then had Murrays (local auto store) order the valve stem seals for me. I purchased the 9758 - Valve Seal 11/32 x .530"

Learned how to use a micrometer for the first time... guess I should have done this first.

Outside Diameter of Valve Guide:


Inside Diameter of Stock(??) Valve Stem Seals:


Inside Diameter of Edelbrock 9758 inner diameter:



So now my question... everything I'm seeing on Summitracing says .530" - why are my guides so much bigger?

 

You're saying you can't get the seal over the valve stem and not the valve guide?

Is this for a 3.4L?

 

Sorry, my newbness to engine work is showing.

I was having a problem getting the valve stem seal over the outer diameter of the valve stem guide. Post #3 shows the measurements - I ordered the wrong valve stem seals apparently. But, everything I see on summitracing.com says .530" valve stem seal - mine are more like .560" - is that normal for a stock LT1?

 

When I bought the LT1, the guy kept saying they were "corvette aluminum heads" as if they weren't stock. The casting numbers look to be 10207648, 5032, and on the side it's stamped 08253A. Google search seems to say that's a stock LT1 head - so why are my valve guides so much bigger than what summitracing.com sells?

 

I'm thinking you have them on all the way and don't realize it. The bottom portion of the guide will not bottom out against where the guide goes into the cylinder head. Don't think that because you can still see the guide that it has to go further down.

 

The stock LT guide is .554" diameter - most aftermarket seals are either .530" or .562", neither of which will fit as one will not go on, the other will not stay on. I usually just cut the guide to a standard size when building those heads - you need to get factory replacement seals or get a machine shop to supply you with the right ones.

 

The worst part is that I went to Murrays (local auto store) and asked for stock replacement valve stem seals and they gave me o-rings instead of umbrella style. I've had horrible luck finding the right information for getting valve stem seals.

 

Most parts counter people are idiots.

 

So if I go to a dealership and ask for replacement valve stem seals they'll have the right umbrella style seals? It will be a regular driver with a cc503. Will the stock replacement valve stem seals be OK?

 

Yes, you can get the valve stem seals from a GM Dealership. They will have a seperate part number for the intake and exhaust seals. The exhaust are more expensive. I've examined both and don't see anything different other than the color (but, I'm no expert). I always just get 16 intake seals.

Felpro also makes a valve seal kit that you should be able to pick up at most Auto Parts stores.

 

I've given up going to my local auto store - first I went in and asked for replacements for my LT1 and they came back with O-rings (apparently that's what their computer has in the system...). It was before I had even taken the heads apart so I didn't realize they were umbrella style, got home and realized the big difference. Went back in and asked if they order Fel Pro, they said yes and we looked it up in the book and placed the order. A few days later, went in to pick it up and there were only 12... The book they used was apparently out of date or the guy transposed the numbers so he ordered a v6 package instead of v8.

 

Just go to the counter and ask for Fel-Pro part # SS72861. If they ask what it is for, say do not worry about it...lol

 

I bought mine from the Dealer. Fit perfect. I wish i had more for the green Z when i did the cam. Their still fine though..