hey guys i just need to know if the valve stem seals i picked up are the correct size for my LB9 305. i got comp cams umbrella seals size 11/32 is that the proper size? are these seals of good quality?

 

What's the diameter of the valve stem? Since umbrella seals go around the valve stem itself and not the guide boss, thats the diameter to be aware of.

(11/32 is standard SBC stem size)

In terms of oil control, here they are from worst to best

O-ring
Umbrella (deflectors)
Positive

 

i have a stock 305 so i am assuming these are correct. positive seals you have to have the heads machined right? aren't those the white teflon type with a metal ring?

 

Fel-Pro makes viton seals that are the positive type. I believe that they don't require machining to the head. They are the only ones that do not.

 

I have the same issue - blue smoke when starting up - need stem seals.

If you could, let me know how it goes. Are you going to do it yourself or take it to a shop? I'm just south of you, so if you find a good deal, please let me know.

Don

 

They aren't hard. Click my sig.

 

http://www.partsamerica.com/PartDeta...pe=108&PTSet=A

Here's a "drawing", such as it is, of a Sealed Power one.... this is the cross section, vertically, through the part. The large area in the bottom is where it fits over the guide, and the smaller area in the top is for the valve, and the little round "dots" are the wire springs that tension it in place. The Fel Pro ones are similar.

The Fel Pro # is SS72527

 

no one around here sells the felpro brand anymore so i will stick with the comp cams umbrella seals i got from jegs. part # 502-16

i will be doing the work myself with the instruction of my uncle. he has been working on engines since he was in high school and has about seen and done everything. at the same time i will be replacing my harmonic balancer (slipping back off rubber onto timing chain cover). i hope to pick up some more knowledge of mechanics and i will let you know how it goes.

 

Auto Zone and Advance both carry Fel Pro. You have them both where you are.

 

now you think i wouldnt check the most obvious places? come on this is ugly on my face not stupid. they are both sold out. can't wait to do it so i am using what i got.

 

Not sure if that means you're "ugly", or "stupid", or what. You'll have to be the judge of that. Once you figure out which one it is, if the shoe fits, wear it.

 

that was a joke, lighten up a little.

when i called the first time they said they didnt sell them for my car and i called back a second time and the other guy said they were sold out and wouldnt have any for 3 to 5 days so i just went to jegs and bought the umbrellas. end of subject. i'll let you guys know how it goes. starting on it friday bright and early.

 

It's hard to verbally express sarcasm when all you can type is this Verdana text. The addition of smileys probably would have helped.

Anyway, the umbrellas will do the job, nothing WRONG with them. They just aren't as efficient as the positive types.

 

 

Well guys its all done. i ran into a few problems which took longer then expected but thats why i allowed more time to do it then it could ever take.

Problems:

Pass Side Valve Cover on LB9 is a pain in the butt to get off.
Solution: removed TPI and a few hoses, coil, ect

Stripped a bolt
Solution: i had to retap it

Balancer Installer already rented out
Solution: got a 1/2 inch longer bolt and a washer and drew the balancer on until the stock bolt could reach to pull it the rest of the way on.

Other than that the only thing i can say is i used a stud mounted spring compressor and was extremely careful with the keepers because they are really easy to drop or fly out of your finger tips and can't stress the amount of caution to use when removing them.

Most of my valves didnt have seals left and a few springs were stuck which was easily fixed with pliers to get them unstuck. the old socket on the spring and tapping it to break the keepers loose worked like a charm. any questions just pm me or email me at kevs87z28@hotmail.com