valve seal Q

[Matt Weiser]

I'm about to do the valve springs on my 125k motor and I ordered new valve guide seals from Poston's. They sent 12. Should I go ahead and put seals on the exhaust valves even though GM didn't?

One other thing: The motor hasn't been run in about 4 months. Do I risk scoring the cylinders or bearings or something when I hand-turn the motor for the valve springs? Should I spin the oil pump with a priming tool first?

Thx in advance...

 

[timothydog]

I did mine a few weeks ago.
If I remember correctly, the exhaust side was a different shape. So I'm not sure if they seal will sit properly. You could give it a shot when you are all tore down. But make sure that the seal is real snug and not able to be lifted off easily. But you don't need it though.

 

[MSDGN]

Unless you've done some type of work to the heads don't put seals on the exhaust valves...they aren't needed...as for turning the motor over by hand after it's been sitting for awhile...don't worry about it...

 

[MAX PSI]

If you use the seals and have a non stock cam make shure you check for clearance between the seal and the retainer. The exhaust guides are taller than the intakes. Also on my heads with stock valves, the exhaust valves were machined smaller just below the the guide. I couldn't use a seal like on the intakes.