S8ER95Z

iTrader: (3)

I searched but either I'm the only unlucky SOB on the planet or I don't know what terms to use for my search... either way here it goes.

I had my heads cleaned, valve job, etc... last August at a shop. They put Felpro SS70945 seals on instead of the 2nd design single piece seals it had from the factory. The car started shooting blue smoke out the exhaust so I pulled the valve covers to investigate and discovered this...





Basically 3 exhaust seals were at the top of the stems and I'm not even sure how many others are just floating... I pulled the three springs where I could tell the seals were completely off and pushed them back down.

My question is... what causes these seals to unseat? Should I be worried about other issues? I am thinking of buying the 2nd design "Tophats" and replacing all of them to take care of the problem but if there is something else that needs addressed I need to know.

I have stock 241 heads with LS6 Yellow springs, LS6 Cam (2002) and 7.425 length hardened pushrods. (if any of that could be to blame)

RonSSNova

iTrader: (3)

The top hats are idiot proof. I really like that design.

How hard was it to push down the seals that moved? They are supposed to be a reasonably tight interference fit and should take some effort to seat.

Ron

gagliano7

Is there something that is suppose to hold that style? I have the newer design and the spring holds them in place. No way for that to happen.

S8ER95Z

iTrader: (3)

They slid on the guide easily until they reached the bottom thick part...I tapped them down with a 12 point socket until they wouldn't move any further. I'm not really sure what is supposed to hold them down. This is unfortunately the first time I've dealt with valve seals so I'm completely ignorant on the subject.

Decadence75

iTrader: (17)

My vote is that the installer didn't tap it to the seat as he should have and the pressure lifted them.