Valve seals
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 833
Likes: 1
Valve seals
I took my heads to a friend at work so he can freshen them up a bit, I gave him the valve seals that came with a top end gasket set i bought. He showed me how the umbrella style exhaust seals wouldn't work on these heads. I've heard I can use the intake seals on all the valves, is this true?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
Umbrella seals work for early iron heads. If your heads have been machined for the later style seals, you have to ante up and spend a little more cash and get the correct ones for your application.
The seals thatare circular and press on are the right ones in this case. I have in fact used seals on all the valves, and the teflon ones are the ones I use on the exhaust because of the increased temperature of the exhaust valves.
The seals thatare circular and press on are the right ones in this case. I have in fact used seals on all the valves, and the teflon ones are the ones I use on the exhaust because of the increased temperature of the exhaust valves.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 833
Likes: 1
Chris, That's what I don't understand. These were supposed to be the seals for the iron heads, but they don't work.
I don't know if these heads have been machined before, so I really don't know what to do now...
I don't know if these heads have been machined before, so I really don't know what to do now...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 833
Likes: 1
After a bit of researching, I think I can clear up a bit of confusion. I've read that the umbrella style seals that go on the exhaust valves are supposed to move up and down with the valve. If thats right, I'm guessing the guy thats rebuilding my heads for me didn't know that, as I didn't either. I've also read that it's better to use the style that's on my intake on all the valves. Any further advice would be greatly appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,749
Likes: 50
From: Westmont Il.
The factory put the umbrellas on the exhaust valves.
I went back to them (from the positive style I was using) because I believe a little more oil on the hotter exhaust valve guide is a good thing, even if it means a slight increase in oil consumption.
edit: Yes, they will move up and down with the valve.
I went back to them (from the positive style I was using) because I believe a little more oil on the hotter exhaust valve guide is a good thing, even if it means a slight increase in oil consumption.
edit: Yes, they will move up and down with the valve.
Last edited by Joe B.; Sep 6, 2012 at 09:02 AM.
