FE Power Forums
FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: cjshaker on August 12, 2018, 04:20:18 PM
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I got the valve stem seals for my 390 and the first thing I noticed was that the small plastic "straw" installation piece is no longer included with the seals. This piece is a cheap $0.01 piece, and barely lasts for the 16 valves, but it did make installation easier. My valves don't have much of a bevel on the tips, and I've already damaged 2 out of 8 seals trying to get them on. Not really happy about that, so another set is on the way. Before even beginning, I dressed the ends of the valve tips with some crankshaft polishing paper to get rid of any sharp edge, but I have no way to dress or bevel them properly in a lathe.
I ordered the Comp Cams installation tool, but it's obvious that it does not help getting it over the outside tip of the valve, and I couldn't find the little plastic piece available separately anywhere. So what do you engine guys use to help you put them on without cutting or damaging the seal? I never had this problem when using that little plastic "straw", so I'm glad these guys managed to save a penny while making the job more difficult >:(
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This looks like a good source with a variety of sizes.
https://www.alexsparts.com/valve-seal-protector-sleeves/
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Excellent! Thank you very much for that link!
Edit: By the way, if anyone has a 'trick' I can use in the meantime, I'm all ears. That way I won't be held up for several days waiting on these things to arrive, just to finish my heads. It's holding me up from finishing the whole top end.
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Scotch tape.........really a tool? i'm too cheap for that
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X2 on the tape, been doing it that way for years
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I just buy them by the boxes of 20. Mess one up, toss and tray again. I use a socket to drive them gently home.