Valve seals

[T-CAB]

I am getting the heads done on my 64 V8. The seals that I have are original NOS parts. Would these still be good, or should I order new seals from SI? The rubber appears to be soft and pliable. Would the seals that SI have been newer, or would they also be old NOS parts?

Thanks.

T-cab

[candbstudebakers]

Use them, if the are soft, should be fine

[okc63avanti]

I am getting the heads done on my 64 V8. The seals that I have are original NOS parts. Would these still be good, or should I order new seals from SI? The rubber appears to be soft and pliable. Would the seals that SI have been newer, or would they also be old NOS parts?

Thanks.

T-cab

Valve seals are inexpensive and IMHO should always be replaced when doing a valve job. Even if pliable your seals may be an older style rubber than the new rubber compounds used to make valve seals today. There are modern Ford valve seals that cross over and can be used on a Stude V8. Check Bob Johnstone's web page for details:

http://www.studebaker-info.org/text3/valveseals.txt

[bezhawk]

The original seals, were not so much seals, rather oil deflectors. They didn't stay over the guide, but rode up and down along the stem.
Modern ones that grip the guide work much better. I like teflon or a material that doesn't wipe the stem totally dry. I also like bronze guides as valves are less likely to stick, and they conduct heat better.

[T-CAB]

The FORD part numbers are no longer available. Do you know of any after-market compay that makes replacement seals? There has to be some.

Thanks.

T-cab

[Andy R.]

IIRC, Fairborn Studebaker offers both rubber and Viton valve stem seals.

[ddub]

My mechanic got new seals from NAPA of FLAPS for my 64 v8. Monday I will find out what he bought.

[PackardV8]

The FORD part numbers are no longer available. Do you know of any after-market compay that makes replacement seals? There has to be some.

FWIW, those positive valve stem seals are the same as the tens of millions of Ford, GM and Mopar engines which use the same 11/32" valve stem as the Studebaker V8. They are literally the most common valve stem seal in the US. Every engine shop will have several boxes of 500 sitting on the bench. They will usually sell you sixteen of them for a couple of bucks.

Another FWIW, these guides drive onto the top of the valve guides. The top of the Studebaker V8 valve guides have to be cut to the proper diameter with a simple and inexpensive tool. Anyone can do it on a drill press. However, since the experts do it every day, most engine shops won't charge much to cut the guides and install the seals.

jack vines

[DieselJim]

Valve guide seals, FelPro SS-72683. From NAPA. Takes 2 boxes as they are for a four cyuinder. They fit the valves and the valve guide. No need to cut the guide. Jim