C-3.68,327.Valve stem seals

[David M.]

Fresh .030 over 327 with re-worked power-pac heads,larger double springs, larger
valves, 1.52 roller tip rockers w/locks, screw in studs etc... Problem; umbrella style valve stem seals are all loose and riding up the stem under the retainers. Dont want to remove the heads. Tried the (130lbs) compressed air and the nylon rope stuffed in the cylinder tricks. Cant get either method to hold the valve up so as to remove the retainer/keeps. Any other tricks or do I have to r&r the heads???

[Roy B.]

Re: C-3.68,327.Valve stem seals

Nylon rope ! What's that for?? Just use air connected to a hose having a connecter at one end for the air pressure line and a screw type connection to the plug hole.

[Mike McKown]

Re: C-3.68,327.Valve stem seals

It doesn't take a lot of pressure to hold the valve up. Sometimes the keepers(locks) stick to the retainers and when you try to press the spring, it shoves the valve down before the keepers come loose. Take a light hammer and tap the retainers from the side before trying to press the spring and the keepers should drop right out.

Are the bigger springs binding on your seals?

[David M.]

Re: C-3.68,327.Valve stem seals

An old timer showed me that trick. For example some small generator engines didnt have a convenient way of holding the flywheel to remove the bolt to allow access to the points under it. So stuff the cylinder with nylon rope and bar the engine up till the engine locks and remove the bolt. Works great with out damaging anything. I have done this for years but it didnt work on the 327 to hold the valve up. I'll try to tap the retainer as suggested in the next post. Let ya know. Dave

[David M.]

Re: C-3.68,327.Valve stem seals

You nailed it Mike. Tapping on the retainer did the trick. It appears that who ever did this engine used 7 degree locks with 10 degree retainers. So I'll go with 10 degree locks when replacing. Luckily the engine has few miles on rebuild so no damage to stems or retainers. The behive springs dont allow the umbrella seals to fit down on the gide boss. I hopefully can get the nylon seals with the integeral springs to fit. The book says the boss should be machined to .530" to accept the nylon style yet they measure .570" The book also states the double spring set-up uses the nylon and not the umbrella style. Any venders make the oil deflectors for aftermarket rockers? Mr Gasket makes them but only for stock rockers. Dont want a mess when adjusting rockers. Any other suggestions welcome. Thanks again. Dave