LQ4 valve seal clarification

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jan 4, 2019 | 11:30 PM

Spartan7

Thread Starter

TECH Fanatic

iTrader: (7)

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 1,714

Likes: 8

From: Spring, TX

LQ4 valve seal clarification

I did some searching and found some info regarding my question, but I'm hoping to get a warm fuzzy for my particular situation.

I'm replacing the valve seals in my 01 Silverado with an LQ4 as general maintenance. It has 317 heads with all the factory hardware untouched. Does anyone know if it uses the old style seals or the newer "top hat" seals, or do I need to pop a valve cover to confirm? I'll be retaining the stock beehives. If it has the old style, is it possible to use the newer design in their place without any issues? I was planning on going with Fel-Pro either way. Thanks.

Jan 5, 2019 | 12:38 PM

patSS/00

TECH Fanatic

iTrader: (6)

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 1,010

Likes: 17

From: AZ

I don't know about the LQ4 specifically, but the only reason not to use the newer style is if you go to double springs. The top hats are definitely easier to install than the old style, and the springs keep them from popping up.

Jan 5, 2019 | 01:30 PM

Karlw

On The Tree

iTrader: (5)

Joined: Dec 2015

Posts: 111

Likes: 0

Stock 317 heads use beehive springs and will have top hat style seals. There's no need (or point) to switch to the other style seal unless switching to dual springs.