What do worn valve seals look like?
- Thread starter Spetz
- Start date
- Status
I've seen them ripped, and others shattered like glass in some old Ford applications. Usually if they look good, and have the same feel as the replacements, they probably are good, although there might be some exceptions. It's hard to tell without seeing and handling them. If you replaced them because of oil consumption you could have other problems like worn valve guides, and/or sticking or worn rings.
Why did you change them?
Why did you change them?
I've seen some that are brittle before. Even when wet, they look 'dry'.
Can't really see wear unless cracked or brittle. Let us know if the swap helped.
In about 1970 I decided the reason my 1965 Mustang was smoking was valve stem seals. I bought the best which were Perfect Circle but that required a little machining of each head. So I pulled the heads. But then said since the heads are removed why not do a valve job. Then since I am doing a valve job why not install a 3/4 grind cam. Then since I was doing a cam, why not high compression pistons. Then why not get the crank machined. And the block hot tanked.
And the list grew, I was 17, Dad helped. Learned a lot, but the Mustang was out of commission for months.
And the list grew, I was 17, Dad helped. Learned a lot, but the Mustang was out of commission for months.
Originally Posted By: Donald
In about 1970 I decided the reason my 1965 Mustang was smoking was valve stem seals. I bought the best which were Perfect Circle but that required a little machining of each head. So I pulled the heads. But then said since the heads are removed why not do a valve job. Then since I am doing a valve job why not install a 3/4 grind cam. Then since I was doing a cam, why not high compression pistons. Then why not get the crank machined. And the block hot tanked.
And the list grew, I was 17, Dad helped. Learned a lot, but the Mustang was out of commission for months.
Sounds familiar, only it was a 72 Mustang in 1976.
OP if the seals look similar to the new ones and have no visible defects odds are it is something else. I would have done a compression test first before pulling anything apart.
In about 1970 I decided the reason my 1965 Mustang was smoking was valve stem seals. I bought the best which were Perfect Circle but that required a little machining of each head. So I pulled the heads. But then said since the heads are removed why not do a valve job. Then since I am doing a valve job why not install a 3/4 grind cam. Then since I was doing a cam, why not high compression pistons. Then why not get the crank machined. And the block hot tanked.
And the list grew, I was 17, Dad helped. Learned a lot, but the Mustang was out of commission for months.
Sounds familiar, only it was a 72 Mustang in 1976.
OP if the seals look similar to the new ones and have no visible defects odds are it is something else. I would have done a compression test first before pulling anything apart.
the oring ones will be rock hard.rubber umbrella ones broken into pieces but still captured by the spring
Easy removal should clearly indicate worn seals as they will no longer be sealing. A seal in good condition should be major PITA to remove
- Status
