I need to replace my valve stem seals and was wondering which I should get? I have heard the Comp Cams umbrella style are the way to go. And what about the seal material (rubber or other). I don't know if it really matters considering it's for a little, stock 305 with 140,000 miles, just want to stop the smoke at start up.

Also, how easy or difficult is it to do this job myself? I am a novice when it comes to anything below the valve covers.

Any tips, tricks, or tools would be appreciated as well.

Thanks in advance for any info.

 

I've been happy with FelPro Viton seals on both the intake and exhaust sides. They hold up to drag and road course racing, street use, and don't smoke when cold unlike Teflon seals.


It depends on your skill level. Screw up and drop a valve into the cylinder, and the head needs to come off.

Consider hitting the book store and getting a Chilton's or Haynes at a minimum, just to have the procedure and pictures.


You can hold the valves in place by using an air compressor and spark plug fitting to pressurize the cylinder, or feeding rope into the spark plug hole. May be other ways too, I prefer the air compressor.

You'll need a spring compressor, Auto Zone usually has them on the loaner tool program.

 

buy fel pro seals and don't buy umbrella type seals. i run positive and o ring seals both never had a problem

 

If you don't have access to an air compressor, you can also keep the valves from disappearing into the heads by cranking each piston up to TDC and leaving it there while you do both valves on that piston. Move on to the next cylinder in line, and repeat. With the piston at TDC, if a valve slips from your fingers it will only drop about 3/4 inch and stop there patiently waiting for you to pull it back up where it belongs.

 

Thanks for the info!

Also, does $80 sound about right for all the needed FelPro seals? Just want to make sure I'm not being overcharged.


Thanks again,
-Issac

 

last time i bought seals it was more in the 20-30 dollar range

 

¿What?

This is something I've never had trouble with in all my days.... not once, out of a whole lot of motors. The Comp or Crane Teflon ones are all I'll even use.

And even those are nowhere near $80. They're more like about $25. The FelPro ones are around $16 a set or less.

 

My experience w/ Teflon seals wasn't Crane or Comp, so I stand corrected. Should have said "...like some Teflon seals."

That said, my experience w/ the FelPro Vitons has been so good there hasn't been a compelling reason to experiment with Teflon seals.

 

Well, I'm glad I asked! Can someone recommend a site to buy them and even better a part number. I thought I found the right FelPro seals for my car, but maybe not.

I can defintely (~sp?) afford $16, $80 is really making me think how bad I really need these since I am going to school and have no more income coming in, just what I have saved.

Thanks again, I am very greatful for this message board.

-Issac

 

those are good seals i use them alot.......have to machine vavle guide boss to use them hough