Valve Stem Oil Seals

[2-Pugs 57]

Hi folks

 

I am about to replace the valve stem oil seals as they are under suspicion of causing smoky running. I have been through my parts stash in the garage and have two partly used head gasket sets, both of which contain the full set of valve stem oil seals (I have not replaced them on the head jobs I have done before). These date from 4 -5 years ago but have been kept in a sealed bag in the garage.

 

So, I have two questions. One, should I even consider using these, or would the elapsed time from when I originally bought them have caused them to deteriorate to the point of not being worth using? They do all seem to be all ok - pliable and not in any way cracked or deteriorated. Or should I bin them and buy some brand new ones? I'm on the fence with this one because on the one hand I dont want to invest the time again to replace them if they are no good, but then 'new' ones may not actually be newer anyway if they have been sat on a shelf somewhere in the supply chain for some time.

 

Second question I have is that when comapring them, there appear to be slight difference between the two sets. See picture attached. I assume that they are just two slightly different versions of the same thing and either will do. But that's an assumption; can anyone offer any comment or advice on which are correct/incorrect, or whether it even matters?

As always, thankyou in advance for replies

Rob

 

 

[Tom Fenton 1,542]

The seals in your picture are just two slightly different styles of the same thing. I would happily use them, its the heat and oil that makes them go hard.

[2-Pugs 57]

Thanks Tom. I will proceed and use them