Valve Stem Seals

[John042]

Good Morning all. The re-build from my boxes of bits is progressing but slowly. Started to grind valves in but found the following in the gasket sets.12 x rubber valve stem seals which fit the valves stems OK but are a loose fit over the top of the guides? Is that correct?confused: Also 6 x small garter seals in metal cases which also fit over the valve stems. Are they for the valves? If so why only 6? Sorry about the questions but not having dismantled the engine and inheriting boxes of parts mixed up with the the previous owners 10 year collections. It's a process of indentifying parts and considering if they belong to the engine I have (V6i Cologne)I shan't go into the drama of the two timing cases, water pumps and the thermostate housings.:: Thanks for any help in solving the valve seal problem. Cheers J C.

[RCK974X]

John, This happens to overlap with an email I sent today about the valve seals... see your email !!

[adam quantrill]

I don't know if the V6 is susceptible to this at all, but on my 350i I had a cam fail because the valve stem seal broke off, then laid in the valley just above the cam, forming a little dam, so the oil didn't drip down as much. Needless to say I didn't re-install the seal - better to put up with a little smoke now and then.

[John042]

Thanks Andy/Adam. I've e-mailed you Andy with info. Not a good result Adam. As Andy pointed out Ford fitted various types of valve seals including the garter type on the inlet valves together with the rubber top hat ones. Also hard plastic type.Surely a bit of oil is good for valve/guide lubrication? Not withstanding emissions etc