C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

valve seals

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Old Apr 30, 2018 | 11:06 AM
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Planning on replacing valve seals and orings..Any recommendations whether or not to change anything else while im in the heads?Its a 1984 c4 with 78,000 miles..

thanx for any input
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Old Apr 30, 2018 | 11:45 AM
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Going to have to do mine at some point. I'd be tempted to do the valve springs and anything else that looks questionable while in there.
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Old Apr 30, 2018 | 11:55 AM
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i was thinking about springs,push rods, and the rocker arms..The prices through rock auto are very good..all the parts come in under 100$..thats including the spring compressor...
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Old Apr 30, 2018 | 11:55 AM
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Springs might not be a bad idea but I would just check over heads closely. Checking things like valve seats, guides, and if valves have any pitting. Also if you lap them, check to make sure valves are not to recessed into seats.
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Old Apr 30, 2018 | 12:00 PM
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thanks..I will do that...
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Old Apr 30, 2018 | 12:12 PM
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Originally Posted by gnj3963
thanks..I will do that...
Remember to set rocker preload/valve lash to factory specs, it'll keep the heads from sounding like a sewing machine.
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Old Apr 30, 2018 | 12:44 PM
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i will remember to do that also...This is the first time changing valve seals..I have been a cnc machinist for over 25 years..Not expecting any problems

thank you
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Old Apr 30, 2018 | 01:15 PM
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Careful when installing, many people use a deep well socket (12mm if I recall) to pound the seal on. I wasn't' successful going that route as the socket bottomed out on the rocker stud, not seating the seal all the way.

Kent Moore J-42109 is the correct install socket for seating properly. Check Ebay.
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Old Apr 30, 2018 | 01:20 PM
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Originally Posted by 9T3VETTE
Careful when installing, many people use a deep well socket (12mm if I recall) to pound the seal on. I wasn't' successful going that route as the socket bottomed out on the rocker stud, not seating the seal all the way.

Kent Moore J-42109 is the correct install socket for seating properly. Check Ebay.

i will look for that tool...thanx..
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Old Apr 30, 2018 | 01:23 PM
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Originally Posted by 9T3VETTE
Careful when installing, many people use a deep well socket (12mm if I recall) to pound the seal on. I wasn't' successful going that route as the socket bottomed out on the rocker stud, not seating the seal all the way.

Kent Moore J-42109 is the correct install socket for seating properly. Check Ebay.

just found it on ebay for 10$....cool
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Old Apr 30, 2018 | 02:07 PM
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do use shim type head gasket .021"

Last edited by corvettenorway; Apr 30, 2018 at 02:10 PM.
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Old Apr 30, 2018 | 02:25 PM
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Originally Posted by corvettenorway
do use shim type head gasket .021"

I am doing the seals with the heads on the car..no need for head gaskets...
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Old Apr 30, 2018 | 05:16 PM
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[QUOTE=MikeP84;1597103704]Springs might not be a bad idea but I would just check over heads closely. Checking things like valve seats, guides, and if valves have any pitting. Also if you lap them, check to make sure valves are not to recessed into seats.[/QUOT

can i ask if you would recomend the umbrella type seals or oem?
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Old Apr 30, 2018 | 07:39 PM
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Honestly I have only built one motor and have no experience with oem style seals. Im not sure if they are the old o ring style or not but I will say I like my umbrella style. Probably just quality of parts, personal experience, and personal opinion on which to use.
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Old Apr 30, 2018 | 09:04 PM
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Originally Posted by gnj3963
Planning on replacing valve seals and orings..Any recommendations whether or not to change anything else while im in the heads?Its a 1984 c4 with 78,000 miles..

thanx for any input
valve springs, they'll be off anyway and they don't hold their original tension forever. For a budget build, I really like roller tipped rockers (not full rollers). The roller at the tip "rolls", not drags itself, across the top of the valve stem and eliminates a lot of the side load on the valve stem that contributes to valve guide wear. Not familiar with 1984s, but whatever style rocker arm you install, make sure it matches the original, self guided or not; self guided will have a small slot at the rocker arm end that locates the rocker arm on the valve stem; if the pushrods pass through narrow slots in the head which serve as pushrod guides, and a smooth surface on the end of the rocker arm, they are not self guided.

not trying to spend your money, but this would be an excellent time to consider doing a cam swap and new timing chain.

Last edited by mtwoolford; Apr 30, 2018 at 09:22 PM.
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Old Apr 30, 2018 | 10:19 PM
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Originally Posted by gnj3963
just found it on ebay for 10$....cool
Sorry you may want to double check this, didn’t realize you had an L98. Unsure if the seals and valve tips are the same as an LT motor....

Last edited by 9T3VETTE; Apr 30, 2018 at 10:24 PM.
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Old Apr 30, 2018 | 11:38 PM
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I would pull the heads and do the valve guides (if needed), valve job, seals and springs. 78,000 miles is a good time to freshen up the heads. They will be as good as new and you'll gain lost hp. Do it right and you're good for a long time.
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Old May 1, 2018 | 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by 383vett
I would pull the heads and do the valve guides (if needed), valve job, seals and springs. 78,000 miles is a good time to freshen up the heads. They will be as good as new and you'll gain lost hp. Do it right and you're good for a long time.
I agree if you have a local shop who can do it for reasonable price.
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