How hard is it to replace valve stem seals?
How hard is it to replace valve stem seals? First off, is it worth it on my car? (62k miles) second, I read somewhere about using 02+ LS6 seals, that come with the seats as one piece. How hard is it to get the seal off, and then the seat? Would the 02 style be of the same height as the stock 99 seals and seats? I'm using the LS6 springs that come with the Hot Cam kit.
Staging Lane
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Florida
With some aftermarket springs, you have to change the seals out and go to a seperate seal/seat insert set-up. I think this is more of a concern when you're installing dual springs.
I'll go ahead and suggest, from my experience it's worth using the dual springs for LS-1's over the singles on most cams. The extra spring is great insurance against any spring breakage ruining the motor, and the duals have better rates and harmonics that really let you get the most out of any cam. Several companies, Crane, Rev, etc., have good duals available that fit in the stock spring pockets.
Also, I got a thing from Crane the other day, they have this really trick new spring compressor for the LS-1. It lets you change both springs on the same cylinder at once, and lets you always have one hand free while you use it. Really awesome!
I'll go ahead and suggest, from my experience it's worth using the dual springs for LS-1's over the singles on most cams. The extra spring is great insurance against any spring breakage ruining the motor, and the duals have better rates and harmonics that really let you get the most out of any cam. Several companies, Crane, Rev, etc., have good duals available that fit in the stock spring pockets.
Also, I got a thing from Crane the other day, they have this really trick new spring compressor for the LS-1. It lets you change both springs on the same cylinder at once, and lets you always have one hand free while you use it. Really awesome!
It is only as difficult as removing and reinstalling the springs. Once the spring is off, grab the old seal with a pair of box pliars and wiggle and the old seal will come off. The spring seat will lift right off the head. I recomend the 02+ seals as you just set them on the head and then reinstall the spring and it will seat the seal. Dip the new seals in some oil first and use a little care when sliding them over the keeper groves on the valve so you don't damage the seal. Pay attention to which seal goes on the intale and exhaust.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 611
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
terry at patriot sent me new seals for my stage 2 5.3 heads that came with the teflon seals..
all of the seals he sent me are black and they have small circular metal spring that sits in a groove at the top (rubber portion) of the seal...of course to keep the rubber tight around the vavle stem...
im not sure which ones these are, but ill probably be putting them on soon...i have notcied my car smokes a little on startups with the teflon seals...
all of the seals he sent me are black and they have small circular metal spring that sits in a groove at the top (rubber portion) of the seal...of course to keep the rubber tight around the vavle stem...
im not sure which ones these are, but ill probably be putting them on soon...i have notcied my car smokes a little on startups with the teflon seals...
i found these on Thunder Racings website, any advantage to these over the LS6 seals, or vice versa?
11-VS-UV5001-EO LS1 Valve Stem Seals, .500 X 8mm, set of 16 (Valve Stem seals will need to be replaced when using the REV 54-VS1116 Valve Springs or the Crane 40-144832 Valve Springs.) $16.00
11-VS-UV5001-EO LS1 Valve Stem Seals, .500 X 8mm, set of 16 (Valve Stem seals will need to be replaced when using the REV 54-VS1116 Valve Springs or the Crane 40-144832 Valve Springs.) $16.00
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If you use double springs, the 02+ gm seals will hit the inner spring and you have to use the older style seals. That's what those are. They actually have an installed height and there is a special tool that you can install them with that will set them at the proper height, but most people just tap them on with a deep socket and call it good.
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02+ seals are all I use on single spring installs. I just like the ease of installing them over the older style. I pay just a little over dealer cost for my gm parts though.
