1993 SuperSprint Valve stem oil seals

[Tony]

Been having puffs of oil smoke at idle when tapping the gas pedal.  Read that the valve stem oil seals were probably worn.

Talked to an expert about the SuperSprint engine who said it was usually a valve guide problem.

Tony Weale's 7 Restoration Guide shows the valve stem oil seals, but not the guides on the Kent Ford engine.

Heard also that the Burton replacements were too tight.

Has anyone replaced these, were they effective in reducing the smoke?

Part # and Source?

Would rather start with an easy replacement before pulling the head.

 

Thanks,

 

Tony 

[Anker]

The seals that Caterham installed are junk! I had smoke from my car when starting and lifting. I pulled the head and replaced the valve seals and that cured the problem. It is easy to replace the seals and check they are the problem.

 

Getting the correct seals is a real issue, there are two thicknesses of valve steams and guides and you have to get the correct ones. I needed the narrow ones, with valve stems  The ones I ordered from Burton Power are SKU: FP705A "Valve stem oil seal (each) - suitable for duplex valve springs: Ford X/Flow OHV Kent, pre-X/Flow & BDA FP705A". The critical dimension is 10.57 mm diameter on the valve guide.

 

Be careful if you try to remove the valves from the head. They will probably not glide through the guides because the spring retainers will have expanded the slotted part of the valve stem. You will need to use emory paper to sand them down to a diameter that allows them to glide easily through the guides.

 

Do yourself a favor and order from Burton power. I have 5 sets of incorrect seals that I ordered from other vendors!

 

Good luck/Anker 

[Tony]

Looks like I am headed for a valve job on the head.  Probably the best route.  Thank you for the detailed information!

Tony