Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 21, 2003 | 07:56 PM
  #1  
LSwonZ28's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, Ks
Default NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

is there a trick putting in new valve stem seals? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="gr_sad.gif" /> .
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2003 | 08:10 PM
  #2  
LSwonZ28's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, Ks
Default Re: NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

somebody has to know <img border="0" alt="[cry]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cry.gif" /> I got the air compressor going right now.
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2003 | 08:15 PM
  #3  
GeorgeC's Avatar
TECH Junkie
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,987
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne, FL
Default Re: NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

Not really... They should just slide right down over the outside of the valveguide and kind of pop into place. Be careful not to force them farther than they want to go, as you can mess them up if you push them down too far.

If nothing else, I can dig up my Helm's manual and give you the "textbook" description of how they are installed.
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2003 | 08:22 PM
  #4  
LSwonZ28's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, Ks
Default Re: NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

I would really appreciate if you told me the helm's method. It stops way up over where the stock one(s) do, I might put the stock ones because they slide back in fine. car only has 33k on it, but I would hate to waste the $$ I spent on the new seals...
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2003 | 08:54 PM
  #5  
CW 99 Z's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Crossville, TN
Default Re: NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

I wouldnt put old seals back on. They may look ok but they could be damaged or out of shape enough to where theyll leak. Sounds to me like youve got the wrong seals. Compare the sizes of the seals to see if theyre both the same size. Another thing that will help you is to cut a small piece of plastic bag and wrap it over the top of the valve stem making sure it extends about half way down the stem. This will make it a little easier to get the seal past the keeper groove and prevent you from damaging it. Also, alittle asembly lube on the plastic and valve stem wont hurt either.
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2003 | 09:05 PM
  #6  
LSwonZ28's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, Ks
Default Re: NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

the part #'s for the two are 12457652(exaust) and 12533586(intake). Are these right, those were given to me by the delearship. I will try out your tips CW, thanks <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

<small>[ March 21, 2003, 09:10 PM: Message edited by: LSwonZ28 ]</small>
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2003 | 09:55 PM
  #7  
CW 99 Z's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Crossville, TN
Default Re: NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

Not sure about the part numbers but like I said, just compare them and if the look the same and the part that goes down onto the valve guide is the same size they should work. Its gonna be a snug fit so you gotta work them onto the guide.
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2003 | 09:57 PM
  #8  
LSwonZ28's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, Ks
Default Re: NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

has anybody else ever have problems with the valve seals? Should they really go on with ease? The cam swap was going fine until this crap.

I was thinking about soaking them in hot water or something.

Edited because I didn;t see teh last reply:

They look like the right ones, the rubber part looks tighter though than the old ones. Any ideas how to get them on without damaging them?

<small>[ March 21, 2003, 10:00 PM: Message edited by: LSwonZ28 ]</small>
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-4

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-8

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Five Reasons the Camaro Was the Most Pivotal Player in the Pony Car Wars 2.0

 Brett Foote
Old Mar 21, 2003 | 10:02 PM
  #9  
bigSS's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,413
Likes: 0
From: PURDUE
Default Re: NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

The valve seals are apparently different on some years... perhaps you got the wrong ones?
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2003 | 10:09 PM
  #10  
LSwonZ28's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, Ks
Default Re: NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by bigSS:
<strong> The valve seals are apparently different on some years... perhaps you got the wrong ones? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">yea, it's looking more that way. I will go back to the delearship tom and make sure they gave me the right ones for my car. <img border="0" alt="[shoot]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_guns.gif" />
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2003 | 12:08 AM
  #11  
xaon's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 1
From: Tomball, TX
Default Re: NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

The differences between the years is that the later years incorporate the spring seat into the valve seal.

The trick to putting the valve seals on is to slip the seals down over the valve stem, and then get a deep socket that will fit over the valve and push down on them with some force. They will drop down a little further into place. (Maybe another 1/8" or so down from just pushing them on with your fingers)

Don't ask me how I know... but if you don't get them on right you will burn LOTS of oil... in the neighborhood of 1qt per 100-150 miles <img border="0" title="" alt="[Embarrassed]" src="gr_emb.gif" />
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2003 | 12:20 AM
  #12  
2xLS1's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (25)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 9
From: Warr Acres, OK
Default Re: NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

98-01 In - 12533586
98-01 Ex - 12457652
02 In - 12482063
02 Ex - 12457652

The difference is 98-01 are seals only and the 02 is the seal and valve spring seat in one piece. The spring seat used with the 02 seal is thicker than the stock 98-01 valve spring seat. They are the same thickness as the LS6 spring seat.
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2003 | 09:44 AM
  #13  
LSwonZ28's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, Ks
Default Re: NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by xaon:
<strong> The differences between the years is that the later years incorporate the spring seat into the valve seal.

The trick to putting the valve seals on is to slip the seals down over the valve stem, and then get a deep socket that will fit over the valve and push down on them with some force. They will drop down a little further into place. (Maybe another 1/8" or so down from just pushing them on with your fingers)

Don't ask me how I know... but if you don't get them on right you will burn LOTS of oil... in the neighborhood of 1qt per 100-150 miles <img border="0" title="" alt="[Embarrassed]" src="gr_emb.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">We actually started doing that, but we stopped because we wanted to make sure that was ok. So did that " unknown" <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> car have a lot of smoke coming out of the exaust?

Thanks for the part #'s and info about the seals/seats 2xLS1. Now I know for sure that I got the right ones.

Can anybody give me the Helm's method of putting them back on? I'm real curious as to what it says.
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2003 | 11:51 AM
  #14  
2xLS1's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (25)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 9
From: Warr Acres, OK
Default Re: NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

The manual is going to tell you to use a Kent-Moore tool to install them. I have used it before. I get a little dixie cup and pour some oil in it. I then soak the seals in the oil for a few minutes. Carefully install the seal over the valve tip and when it gets to the keeper grooves in the valve stem is when you want to be careful you don't tear the seal on the sharp edges of the grooves. Carefully rock the seal back and forth and it will go on past the grooves. Without the Kent-Moore tool, you are going to have to use a deep socket to tap them on the guide and guess when they are on all the way. Pick a socket that only contacts the outer metal part of the seal. With the Kent-Moore tool, you tap them on with a hammer until the tool hits the valve spring seat and that sets the installed height of the seal. This all applies to the 98-01 seals. The 02 seals will set their own height when the spring pushes the spring seat against the head.

<small>[ March 22, 2003, 11:56 AM: Message edited by: 2xLS1 ]</small>
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2003 | 02:56 PM
  #15  
Jason99T/A's Avatar
I can shift faster than you.
iTrader: (21)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,133
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Default Re: NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by LSwonZ28:
<strong> where can u get a kent-moore tool? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">http://sl.cometsystems.com/r?u=http%...qry=kent-moore or just use a deep 12mm socket.
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2003 | 03:05 PM
  #16  
GeorgeC's Avatar
TECH Junkie
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,987
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne, FL
Default Re: NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

Here's an excerpt from the factory service manual...

<img src="http://www.coffeyracing.com/images/misc/oilseal.jpg" alt=" - " />

As said before, without the special tool, you'll have to use a deep socket of the appropriate size.
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2003 | 12:24 AM
  #17  
LSwonZ28's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, Ks
Default Re: NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

where can u get a kent-moore tool?
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2003 | 10:45 AM
  #18  
xaon's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 1
From: Tomball, TX
Default Re: NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by LSwonZ28:
<strong>So did that " unknown" <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> car have a lot of smoke coming out of the exaust? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Actually, just a bit at startup. After that it was fine. It sure did foul plugs awfully quick though! And trying to spray some n2o on a oil-soaked plug is a mute point. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="gr_sad.gif" />

Ever since I changed out the seals and installed them properly, I haven't had any oil consumption problems at all.
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2003 | 11:21 AM
  #19  
LSwonZ28's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, Ks
Default Re: NEED HELP QUICK(valve seals)!

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by xaon:
<strong> </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by LSwonZ28:
<strong>So did that " unknown" <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> car have a lot of smoke coming out of the exaust? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Actually, just a bit at startup. After that it was fine. It sure did foul plugs awfully quick though! And trying to spray some n2o on a oil-soaked plug is a mute point. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="gr_sad.gif" />

Ever since I changed out the seals and installed them properly, I haven't had any oil consumption problems at all. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">oh man, that woulda sucked! At least you fixed the problem <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

Thanks a lot for your help guys <img border="0" alt="[worship]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_hail.gif" /> ! I really appreciate it! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> I soaked those little things in oil, then warmed them up with a hair dryer, went on fine with a socket! <img border="0" alt="[gruffy cottonball]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_gruffy.gif" />
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:38 PM.

story-0
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-1
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-4
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-5
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-6
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE
story-9
Five Reasons the Camaro Was the Most Pivotal Player in the Pony Car Wars 2.0

The world was a better place when it was still around.

By Brett Foote | 2026-01-23 09:20:37


VIEW MORE