valve seal replacement procedure
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,145
Likes: 125
From: The Motor City
valve seal replacement procedure
Does anyone know of or have a write-up for the procedure to replace valve seals? There are a few posts in the archives, but no step-by-step write-up.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
Re: valve seal replacement procedure (Scooter70)
With the head still on the motor.
1. Remove valve covers and spark plugs
2. Starting with the 1 cylinder, bring piston to top (incase you drop a valve)
Put air fitting in spark plug hole and pressurize.(65-80psi)
3. Remove rocker arm. Attach spring compressor and pry spring down to remove keepers.
Remove spring and replace seal. (The stock seal is a small quad ring; umbrella seals are available)
4. Re-insert spring and keepers. Rocker arm
5. Repeat for the next valve.
Make sure you bring the piston to the top for every cylinder as you replace the seals.
6. Adjust lifters
7. Replace valve covers.
I have done this several times without any problems.
The spring compressor looks like a pry bar with a hole that you place over the rocker arm stud and put the nut back on to use as a lever.
1. Remove valve covers and spark plugs
2. Starting with the 1 cylinder, bring piston to top (incase you drop a valve)
Put air fitting in spark plug hole and pressurize.(65-80psi)
3. Remove rocker arm. Attach spring compressor and pry spring down to remove keepers.
Remove spring and replace seal. (The stock seal is a small quad ring; umbrella seals are available)
4. Re-insert spring and keepers. Rocker arm
5. Repeat for the next valve.
Make sure you bring the piston to the top for every cylinder as you replace the seals.
6. Adjust lifters
7. Replace valve covers.
I have done this several times without any problems.
The spring compressor looks like a pry bar with a hole that you place over the rocker arm stud and put the nut back on to use as a lever.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,145
Likes: 125
From: The Motor City
Re: valve seal replacement procedure (redwingvette)
Thanks. Wanna take a ride down M5 and give me a hand? J/K
Which type of seals are better? AutoZone or NAPA should have them, right?Anyone know if AutoZone has a spring compressor to borrow too?
Which type of seals are better? AutoZone or NAPA should have them, right?Anyone know if AutoZone has a spring compressor to borrow too?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,245
Likes: 25
From: Blue Ridge Georgia
Re: valve seal replacement procedure (Scooter70)
Before you put the compressed air on the motor it is wise to lock off the motor. In some cases the air caused the piston to lower and scared the H*ll out of the mechanic.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
Re: valve seal replacement procedure (Paul 75 L82)
Paul,
If I can find the time to help you out. You can borrow my spring compressor if you would like. When do you plan on doing it? Send me an E-mail Bmclau5079@aol.com
If I can find the time to help you out. You can borrow my spring compressor if you would like. When do you plan on doing it? Send me an E-mail Bmclau5079@aol.com
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 0
From: Northampton Ma
Re: valve seal replacement procedure (redwingvette)
Get the Haynes manual for C3 corvettes, I have it and it was very helpful during my engine build, which included valve seals. I bought it at Autozone for $20.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
Re: valve seal replacement procedure (Scooter70)
In case the Air Compressor is not available or a hassle, I know others have brought the piston up top and then shoved a piece of rope into the cyclinder through the spark plug hole.
Relatively simple and keeps the valves up.
Also, you may need to give the valve spring keeper a whack to loosen it up to remove. Helps alot. OTherwise the valve will still compress letting the air out. :smash:
Relatively simple and keeps the valves up.
Also, you may need to give the valve spring keeper a whack to loosen it up to remove. Helps alot. OTherwise the valve will still compress letting the air out. :smash:
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,145
Likes: 125
From: The Motor City
Re: valve seal replacement procedure (78Vette-SA)
Thanks guys. I bought the umbrella type this afternoon. Last question (for the night).... which way is up? It looks like a little cup. Does the cup go down or up? I haven't torn into it yet.... that's tomorrow night's thing after I mow the lawn.
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
Re: valve seal replacement procedure (Scooter70)
Cup goes down over the post. You can't put them on the wrong way. They would fit if you tried. I would replace the stock seals at the same time. The umbrella seals should help if the reason they leak is because of worn valve guides.
Good luck. Let me know if you need help.
Good luck. Let me know if you need help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Re: valve seal replacement procedure (redwingvette)
I believe when replacing the stock 'D' ring or 'quad ring' seals, the valve spring and retainer should be put on first, then compress the spring and install the seal. Then install the keepers.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,156
Likes: 3,965
From: Connecticut, USA
Re: valve seal replacement procedure (redwingvette)
quick question can you use the umbrella seals and the factory O ring seals together? nay benifit or would it be a waste of time?
Thanks,
Gary
Thanks,
Gary
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Re: valve seal replacement procedure (gtr1999)
quick question can you use the umbrella seals and the factory O ring seals together? nay benifit or would it be a waste of time?
Thanks,
Gary
Thanks,
Gary
