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
