Worn Stem Seals

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   When I sent my head in to be rebuilt in 2020 (it was so badly warped it peeled up before all the bolts were out) I sent the shop the stem seals that came with my Felpro head gasket set so they could put those in while it was dismantled. They didn't note any wear with the old valve stem seals or the valves so they did the normal rebuild. (clean, level, leak test and the seals and sent it back two weeks later) I could see the seals had been changed. There were nice white umbrella caps visible through the springs.

I pulled the whole engine earlier this year due to a variety of reasons and sent it to be completely rebuilt at another machine shop here in town. No problems with the block (even the cylinders were still pretty much in tolerance) but it was a package deal so they went over the head again they found the new stem seals had worn down, which was probably explaining some of my smoking issues.

I can find only one mention pertaining to the 258 that there might be quality issues with the newer seals but no additional forums online seem to back this up so I dunno, were they incorrectly installed or is this a lesser known issue?

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
MIPS Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Nut Joined: Mar/11/2019 Location: Kamloops, BC Status: Offline Points: 347	Post Options Post Reply Quote MIPS Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Worn Stem Seals Posted: May/08/2022 at 12:47pm
	When I sent my head in to be rebuilt in 2020 (it was so badly warped it peeled up before all the bolts were out) I sent the shop the stem seals that came with my Felpro head gasket set so they could put those in while it was dismantled. They didn't note any wear with the old valve stem seals or the valves so they did the normal rebuild. (clean, level, leak test and the seals and sent it back two weeks later) I could see the seals had been changed. There were nice white umbrella caps visible through the springs. I pulled the whole engine earlier this year due to a variety of reasons and sent it to be completely rebuilt at another machine shop here in town. No problems with the block (even the cylinders were still pretty much in tolerance) but it was a package deal so they went over the head again they found the new stem seals had worn down, which was probably explaining some of my smoking issues. I can find only one mention pertaining to the 258 that there might be quality issues with the newer seals but no additional forums online seem to back this up so I dunno, were they incorrectly installed or is this a lesser known issue?

nickleone Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Oct/04/2008 Location: westminster co Status: Offline Points: 1446	Post Options Post Reply Quote nickleone Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/08/2022 at 5:47pm
	Use these seals https://tinyurl.com/3v8ayymj Nick
	nick 401 71 Gremlin pro rally car sold 390 V8 SX/4 pro rally car sold 1962 Classic SW T5 4 wheel disc brakes

tomj Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jan/27/2010 Location: earth Status: Offline Points: 7553	Post Options Post Reply Quote tomj Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/09/2022 at 11:55pm
	Don't those require the top of the cast guide to be cut? It's commonly done though, and cheaply.
	1960 Rambler Super two-door wagon, OHV auto 1961 Roadster American, 195.6 OHV, T5 http://www.ramblerLore.com

wittsend Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Nut Joined: Apr/15/2020 Location: California Status: Offline Points: 430	Post Options Post Reply Quote wittsend Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/10/2022 at 1:31pm
	The ad is confusing because in the Overview it states they are an umbrella seal. But as noted those are a positive type seals that solidly mounts to the head and the valve slides through. The design of the inner opening allows for just the right amount of oil to get by. An umbrella seal clings to the valve (not slides through) and basically as the name implies it merely shelters the valve/guide from flinging oil. Kind of like the difference between standing in the rain with an umbrella or standing in a phone booth (does anyone remember phone booths???, maybe out here on the 196 Island they do).
	'63 American Hardtop