I have a big block Fel-pro gasket set for my first engine build. I am working on a stock 73 440. Why does the kit have a bag of 8 seals marked INTAKE, 8 marked EXHAUST, and 8 in a bag not marked at all? What do I do with the unmarked bag of seals? Thanks FBBO
NOTE: Also answered on FABO.
Full gasket sets such as the Fel-Pro FS7891PT11 contain two type of intake valve stem seals -- early umbrella seals and later positive lock seals. 1973 440 heads use the positive lock type seals, although the early umbrella seals can be optionally used.
Refer to the following for additional information about original valve stem seals and the V-8 engines (except 426 Hemi) that share these seals, a design change in 1972, and Fel Pro replacement numbers for the specific seals.
From the mid 1950s through 1971 (and a little later for 318 and 360 engines during the phase-in of a new style), an umbrella seal was specified for both intake and exhaust valve stems, except 426 Hemi engines. A and LA engines and early Hemi engines used a certain style. B engines used a similar, but slightly taller umbrella seal. The B engine seals were marked with yellow paint. The Fel Pro numbers for these seals are as follows:
- A/LA/early Hemi: SS 13995 (set of eight)
- B: SS 12419 (set of eight)
The following images show the A/LA/early Hemi engine seals, the B engine seals, and a comparison of the two:
Earlier A/LA/early Hemi engine valve stem seals:
Earlier B engine valve stem seals:
Earlier B engine valve stem seal and earlier A/LA/early Hemi engine valve stem seal:
In 1972, Chrysler changed the intake valve stem seal from the umbrella type to the positive lock type that fastens over the guide, initially for the 340, 400, and 440. The exhaust seal was changed to a shortened umbrella seal for additional cooling of the exhaust valve.
The following images show the positive lock intake seals, a view of the inside of the positive lock intake seal, and the shortened umbrella exhaust seals, and a comparison of the two seals:
Positive lock valve stem seals:
Short exhaust valve stem seals:
Short and early longer exhaust valve stem seals:
This style continued in use in small block engines through 1989 and big block engines through 1978. The earlier umbrella seal can be used in 1972 and later engines on both intake or exhaust valve stems. The positive lock seal can be used in earlier engines if it fits the guide outer diameter, which should be 0.562 inch. The shortened umbrella exhaust seal can be used on earlier engines as well.
Fel Pro number SS 70537 (set of eight) is the positive lock type of intake seal. Fel Pro number SS 12764 (set of eight) is the shortened umbrella seal for the exhaust valve. One set of each is required for a V-8. Fel Pro number SS 70014 contains both the positive lock type of seals and shortened umbrella exhaust seals.
Fel Pro SS 13955 and equivalent seals fit the following Chrysler V-8 engines:
- 1955 241, 260 Plymouth (Intake)
- 1955 270 Dodge
- 1955 270 Plymouth, after serial number 90516
- 1956 270 Dodge
- 1964 - 1967 273
- 1956 - 1957 277, 301 Plymouth
- 1956 - 1957 303, 313 Plymouth
- 1956 315 Dodge
- 1957 - ~1972 318 (A & LA)
- 1957 - 1958 325
- 1959 326
- 1956 330 DeSoto
- 1955 331 Chrysler
- 1968 - 1971 340
- 1957 - 1958 354 Chrysler
- 1971 - ~1973 360
- 1957 - 1958 392 Chrysler
Fel Pro SS 70014 and equivalent seals directly fit the following Chrysler V-8 engines:
- ~1973 - 1989 318
- 1972 - 1973 340
- ~1974 - 1980 360
- 1972 - 1978 400
- 1972 - 1978 440
Fel Pro SS 12419 and equivalent seals fit the following Chrysler V-8 engines:
- 1958 350
- 1958 - 1966 361
- 1959 - 1971 383
- 1959 - 1965 413
- 1964 - 1965 426 Wedge
- 1966 - 1971 440
