So, I have tore down my stock 389 heads. There is of co**** the petrified O ring rubber seals on the valve stems and nothing else. In my 1960's vintage NOS Pontiac engine gasket kit there is included these nice umbrella seals. First off, can I use them to afford more oil shedding on my stock valves/ heads without modification?, second, what order do they go, I have an idea but some guidance would be helpful.
Insert the valve in the head, install the seals, install your springs, compress and install the spring retainer and keepers. Let off the compressor and hit the stem of the valve twice. Inspect your work and go to the next valve.
In the package there should also be a little clear plastic cylinder that is closed on one end. It's a seal protector to slip over the valve steam to prevent the sharp edges on the valve from abrading the seal. .
Yes, that clear plastic piece is there and the seals are positive type not umbrella, am I going to be able to use them without mods? and they are lined in the hole with a nylon or something plastic ring, does that stay in?
It's been a long time but if memory serves, you want to check the ID of the seal to ensure it's a comfortable push-on fit on the top of the guide. If not, the seal is intended for a machined guide top. If someone has a more recent recollection I welcome being schooled on the matter.
I started using them years ago on SBC heads to get rid of the little "O" rings. Perfect Circle makes a cutter that has a pilot that goes into the valve guide and it cuts the casting around the guide so the new seal slips down around the top of the guide. The seals have a metal clip that holds them in place and the Teflon seems to last forever. With high lift cams you need to check to make sure the valve spring clears at full lift.
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