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Valve stem seal for 452 heads

fred_flag

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I have a 1968 383 engine that run 440 heads (452 casting).
The head are from 1976.
I need to replace the valve stem seal. I have bought a Fel-Pro gasket set KS2110 to rebuild the engine.
However, the heads coming from a later 440 motor, have different valve stem seal seating and the seal that came with the gasket set do not work.
Any of you have a part that work with those head?
First image is the valve seal seating.
Second image, left to right:
1- Valve seal that come with the kit and work, but I am missing 8 of them.
2- Valve seal that come with the kit and do not work
3- Valve seal that come with the kit and do not work
4- ENGINETECH S2888 too loose
5- ENGINETECH S2970 too small

IMG_0015.JPG IMG_0018.JPG
 
Left to right:
1) Later year intake positive seal
2) Exhaust umbrella seal
3) Early year intake umbrella seal
4) Aftermarket positive/umbrella seal
5) Aftermarket metal clad positive seal (guide OD needs to be machined to fit seal)

Your gasket set should have had 3 bags of seals (#'s 1, 2 & 3) and the instruction sheet in the box tells you which to use for your year. You can also just use the ones you want for the intake and exhaust.
 
If number 1 fits the intake number 2 goes on the exhaust. 452 just used an umbrella that rode the valve stem.
 
I have used seals like the one to the left on both intake/exhaust before, along with that style on the intake and the short umbrella (2nd from left) on the exhaust.
I’ve also used long umbrellas on both, and the long umbrellas on the intake, short umbrellas on the exhaust.
In the 33 years I’ve been doing this as a job I’ve seen a lot of different seal types used.

For performance builds, especially where higher than stock lift cams will be used, I machine the guides to use the steel jacketed Viton seals like what essentially every modern engine uses.

DA1EBB98-C799-4D20-9860-AE5A41FAA8FE.jpeg 88580980-8A5D-4617-B277-835C4EC522EE.jpeg 4DF55EAD-6A92-46CD-963C-7EF1232F09DC.jpeg C95C8978-2D99-457E-B090-8E5E1B3DE2AA.png
 
If number 1 fits the intake number 2 goes on the exhaust. 452 just used an umbrella that rode the valve stem.
#1 fit the intake and the exhaust.
When I remove the valve, both the intake and exhaust have the #1 on them.
So can I install the #2 on the exhaust anyway? Since the seal will not be attach to anything it will go up and down with the valve stem am I right?
 
I have used seals like the one to the left on both intake/exhaust before, along with that style on the intake and the short umbrella (2nd from left) on the exhaust.
I’ve also used long umbrellas on both, and the long umbrellas on the intake, short umbrellas on the exhaust.
In the 33 years I’ve been doing this as a job I’ve seen a lot of different seal types used.

For performance builds, especially where higher than stock lift cams will be used, I machine the guides to use the steel jacketed Viton seals like what essentially every modern engine uses.

View attachment 1269094 View attachment 1269095 View attachment 1269096
My valve guide look like the top image.
Since it's absolutely not a performance build, I will let the valve guide as is and probably go with the positive seal on the intake and short umbrella for the exhaust.
 
Again, #1 or #3 on the intake, and #2 on the exhaust.

#1 stays on the guide and provides oil control for the valve stem. A poor choice for a worn guide as the valve rock will pull the seal open as it rocks and allow excessive oil in.
#2 positions itself on the valve stem when valve is moved, and only allows oil mist to the stem and avoids direct oil spray, but allows more oil for the hotter exhaust valve
#3 does the same as #2, but reduced the amount of oil mist to the intake stem as that valve is cooler and doesn't require as much oil
 
#1 fit the intake and the exhaust.
When I remove the valve, both the intake and exhaust have the #1 on them.
So can I install the #2 on the exhaust anyway? Since the seal will not be attach to anything it will go up and down with the valve stem am I right?

Correct, your call with worn guides how long everything will last, exhaust umbrellas obviously will not wear as they ride the stem but it could smoke a little at start up if guides are really worn.
 
Final update.
I was less stupid then I tough, when I dismantle the head, I have kept the old valve seal in the bag.
So I have use the same as before, #1 on the intake and #3 on the exhaust.

Thanks for your help!
 
The one shown in post #4 is the only type that I use.
 
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