The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Valve Stem Oil Seal Assembly Order

Hi All,

I have a set of valve stem oil seals (Carters ME5521) that includes O-rings and Umbrellas. I am adding these to a 216 head. Looking at prior posts and checking the old car manual site, I can't find a picture of how they're placed on the stem.

The '48 - '51 manual shows o-rings, and the '54 manual shows o-rings [/i]just below the keepers[i]. So, does the umbrella go first, just below the o-ring, or sitting over the end of the valve guide? Or does the o-ring go on, then the umbrella gets sandwiched between the o-ring and the keepers? I'm confused and would appreciate some guidance.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Bill

I believe that you are supposed to use one or the other, but not both.

Carl,

Thank you for the comment.

Is there a preferred seal to use? My gut feel would be the umbrella, but I would appreciate feedback.

Thanks,

Bill

One type is used on Intake and the other type is used on Exhaust. I don't remember which is which.

I'd be cautious of using umbrella seals on either. I know that some use them on the intake valves. I know that not enough oil for the valve stems causes more problems than to much oil.

The umbrella seals that I use on my 235 are designed to ride up and down with the valve,once the valve has opened the seal is pushed up near where the o-ring seal would have been, they are not the style that are pressed down over the top of the valve guide and stay there. I have had no problems with this style of umbrella seals and I have been running them on intake and exhaust for 4 thousand plus miles.

Thanks for the input guys. I'll let you know how it goes (later this spring).

Bill