How Do I Install The Exhaust Valve Stem Seals?

[1993_VG30E_GXE]

I completely mangled 3 already so Im going to have to pay rip off dealer prices to get replacements. I've got 3 left for the RH side. Can someone tell me how to do it, it's stupidly tight - I tried oil and assembly lube. I tried vice grips. I tried an M12 hex nut with an long M12 cap screw on the end and tapping it with a mallet - completely mangled the thing.

 

[1993_VG30E_GXE]

Question guys, I have 6 backups for the intake valve stem seals. Can I just use those ones on the exhaust side too? The seals I have I don't think they can fit, I tried hammering them lightly and it mangled another one. The intake oil seals fit on nicely, and I do notice that the hole for the valve in the intake seal is slightly larger in diameter, BUT the actual stem diameter of the exhaust valve is slightly larger, so it won't be leaking any more oil than the intake side.

The exhaust seal is the metal ones in the following photo. Is there some technical reason why they are different?

The dirty one is the original OEM exhaust seal.

Photos coming in 20 minutes.

 

[1993_VG30E_GXE]

Bloody site won't let me edit the post above. Here are some spelling mistakes - and details I missed out. Please IGNORE the above post and replace with this one:

Question guys, I have 6 backups for the intake valve stem seals. Can I just use those ones on the exhaust side too? The seals I have (replacement exhaust stem seals (Not OEM) I don't think they can fit, I tried hammering them lightly and it mangled another one. The intake oil seals fit on nicely, and I do notice that the hole for the valve in the intake seal is slightly larger in diameter, BUT the actual stem diameter of the exhaust valve is slightly larger than the intake, so it won't be leaking any more oil than the intake side.

The exhaust seal is the metal ones in the following photo. From Left to R you see the original 16 yr old OEM exhaust seal, Replacement Non-OEM exhaust steal, OEM replacement Intake Seal.

Is there some technical reason why they are different?

Photos coming in 20 minutes.

 

[1993_VG30E_GXE]

http://s398.photobucket.com/albums/pp65/1993-VG30E-GXE/STEM SEAL/

click on photo to zoom in.

 

[mechtech2]

Exhaust seals are probably made to take more heat.
Try putting the seals on with a valve in the guide - it will help align it.
There is a possibility that you have the wrong parts, also.

 

[BuickGN]

I'm assuming the old heads had exhaust valve seals? The only reason I ask is sometimes some models don't use them. On my GN, the only difference in the heads between NA and turbo is the turbo heads are not machined to accept exhaust valve seals. If you tried to install one it would just maul it. Otherwise I would say you have the wrong part assuming you're going about installing the correct way. Do they come close to fitting?

 

[RH+G]

Looks like u need a different type of seal. Rockauto is showing a different style for ur car

http://info.rockauto.com/getimage/getimage.php?imagekey=216285&imageurl=http%3A//info.rockauto.com/SealedPower/ST2034_ANG.jpg

 

[1993_VG30E_GXE]

Thanks guys - I think your suspicion is correct - they are the wrong size even though the intake ones fit fine from the same package. I compared the exhaust ones with the old 16 yr old ones (as in the photo) but they are slightly different size.

I called the machine shop that did my work and Gord said that if the intake seals (pictured 3rd from left in photo) are of the same high temp vitton material as the metal sleeve exhaust ones in the same package, and they have near identical dimensions for the hole, then you can likely get away with using them on the exhaust side. The only time it's a problem is if they are of different material and can't handle the heat. Luckily I bought 6 extra intake ones by accident, so I put the black ISHINO brand ones (unknown material) on the intake side and the exact same shape ROCK PROD brand brown vitton intake ones on the exhaust side and they fit tightly and snug on the exhaust side. I ran the valve through it and it moves smoothly with some resistance.

Let's see if they blow up. The machine shop guy said that the ones without the metal band around, like the intake ones in my photo, don't necessarily mean the shape can't be used on exhaust. He claims he's seen them on the exhaust side before.

I called the dealership and they want $70.00 for 6 exhaust ones. No bloody way, I'd rather risk it with these considering they are a 0.93 cent each.

 

[onion]

For what it's worth, valve stem seals like those metal ones are normally installed with the valve in place. You use a very thin plastic seal protector to cover the keeper groove- these often come with new valves... I don't know where you would get one by itself unless the machine shop just had some extras laying around. Anyhow, with the valve in place and the protector covering the end, you lube the stem and seal, slide the seal down over the protector and stem. Then there's a tool that fits the top of the valve seal, fits down over the stem. You LIGHTLY tap that tool to push the seal into place- some you can just use the tool and push them into place by hand.

Obviously you won't have that tool laying around. I have managed to get by in sticky situations by carefully using an appropriately sized deep well socket. Also, you could probably use a single wrap of scotch tape in place of the seal protector.