How to Install SBC Valve Stem Seals
Valve stem seals play a key role in maintaining the engine’s health and productivity of your vehicle. The seal controls the amount of motor oil being provided to the combustion chamber through the valve train, by constantly wiping away the excess oil. Its role is allowing a specific amount of oil to move past and lubricate the combustion engine internally.
When not working properly, a faulty valve stem seal allows either too much or too little oil to move past it, affecting the engine’s efficiency. Limited flow of lubrication oil may cause overheating or spark plug issues, while an excess may increase your vehicle’s hydrocarbon emission and damage the catalytic converter as well.
Things Required:
– Valve stem seal kit
– Replacement valve cover gasket
– Drip pan
– Valve spring compressor
– Air compressor
– A magnetic pen
– A pair of pliers
Instructions
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1
Remove the Valve cover and coolant intake hose
The first step when installing a valve stem seal is to remove the valve covers by removing the EGR piping. The EGR pipe or the coolant intake hose is the one that looks like a tube wrapped in an aluminium foil. Place a drip tray under the vehicle to collect the coolant that will leak on removing the EGR piping. Unscrew the nuts holding the valve cover with the help of a screwdriver and remove it as well. -
2
Remove the spark plug and thread air compressor
After having removed the right valve cover, remove the spark plug and thread an air compressor into the plug hole. Pump air into the cylinder with the help of the air compressor. -
3
Remove the rocker arm
The next step is to remove the rocker arm by unscrewing the nut holding it in place. Compress the spring with the help of a valve spring compressor and remove the two retaining rings using a magnetic pen. Now remove the spring and the seals on the intake and exhaust. -
4
Place the new seals on the valve
Once you will remove the spring, the valves will be visible to you. Place new seals on them and replace the spring. Also replace the rings and clips retaining the valve spring and remove the spring compressor. Remove the air compressor as well and release the air pressure inside the cylinder. Reattach the spark plug and the rocker arm and screw the bolts. Install other valves as well following this procedure.
