Valve stem seals?
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 60
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From: Carpinteria CA
Valve stem seals?
Hey folks -
After a couple of weeks away, I've blocked out the weekend to work on the '77 - it's puffing out a lot of blue smoke, so I'm going to replace the valve stem seals. It has about 124k on the original L48, so this is pretty much way overdue. Got all the relevant tools, compressor, and innumerable handy guides and advice on the procedure. It's a go.
However, I'm having problems finding the right part for the application. The local Napa/Schucks/Kragen/Whatever places don't have them on hand, so I'm stuck with picking them up online. Any recommendations on the right thing to get for the stock engine? I don't want to have to machine them to get them to fit, I'm just looking for something to drop in to replace the originals.
Besides, I want to have a little time free to replace all the hoses and all the power steering bits. Busy weekend!
Thanks!
After a couple of weeks away, I've blocked out the weekend to work on the '77 - it's puffing out a lot of blue smoke, so I'm going to replace the valve stem seals. It has about 124k on the original L48, so this is pretty much way overdue. Got all the relevant tools, compressor, and innumerable handy guides and advice on the procedure. It's a go.
However, I'm having problems finding the right part for the application. The local Napa/Schucks/Kragen/Whatever places don't have them on hand, so I'm stuck with picking them up online. Any recommendations on the right thing to get for the stock engine? I don't want to have to machine them to get them to fit, I'm just looking for something to drop in to replace the originals.
Besides, I want to have a little time free to replace all the hoses and all the power steering bits. Busy weekend!
Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 441
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
I like FelPro and installed the umbrella type in my '76. Since you haven't filled out your profile info, I have no idea where you live. However, I would think some local parts house would carry these or be able to get them quickly. 
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,979
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From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
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From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
to clarify:
OE sbc C3 seals are small o-rings that fit into a 2'nd groove cut into valve stem near top of valve stem just above 1'st groove for keys.
aftermarket umbrella seals are fitted below retainer ... that's what carp3 probably needs. FYI, typical sbc valve stem diameter ~ 0.341" or ~ 11/32"
OE sbc C3 seals are small o-rings that fit into a 2'nd groove cut into valve stem near top of valve stem just above 1'st groove for keys.
aftermarket umbrella seals are fitted below retainer ... that's what carp3 probably needs. FYI, typical sbc valve stem diameter ~ 0.341" or ~ 11/32"
