They are supposed to fit tight on the valve stem. If they fit tight on both the valve stem and the valve guide, they wouldn't last for very many revolutions of the engine. They call them umbrella seals because that is exactly how they work. The oil rides down the valve stem, encounters the umbrella, and drips off the outer rim of it, avoiding direct contact with the junction of the valve stem and the valve guide.


1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission