Valve seal "O" ring question
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,470
Likes: 2
From: levittown pa. usa Even a bad day with my `Vette, is better than a good day at work
St. Jude Donor '10
Valve seal "O" ring question
Ok--- on my `87 I installed the umbrella seal on the valve stem base. I then went to install the "O" ring in the second groove of the valve stem. the problem is, that the little " condoms " that the manufacturer ( Clevite ) gives you with the "O" rings won`t fit over the valve stem, & every time I try to install the "O" ring first, & then the spring, the tin oil shedder pushes the "O" ring off the groove on the valve stem. Also it seem I can`t compress the spring enough to put the ring in from the top. What else besides those crappy condoms has anyone used to cover the "O" ring so you can put these things back together? 
Thanks, Ken
Thanks, Ken
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 2
From: Austin TX
You don't need to use a sleeve over the valve stem to install the o-ring. You do need to compress the spring/retainer/oil shield assembly first and then install the o-ring into the second groove. Use a really small screwdriver to poke and push it down the valve stem (without twisting it) and it will settle into the groove. Then when you put the keepers in place and release the spring, the retainer rises and squezes the o-ring against the keepers and valve stem forming a seal that prevents oil from running straight down the valve stem from above.
Dan
Dan
With danno85, but it sounds like you didn't use the "condom" for the seals. THAT is what they're for. I hope you didn't cut your new seals.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,470
Likes: 2
From: levittown pa. usa Even a bad day with my `Vette, is better than a good day at work
St. Jude Donor '10
Thanks guys; I diden`t use the "condom" , because it would not fit over the valve stem. I lubed the umbrella seal, & valve stem, & it slid right into place, no problems.
Ken
Ken
