spokane2k

Well, in my defense, the risk to the motor of dropping a valve is much higher than the risk to the motor of letting some oil by the seal, or so I now believe.

And that is the point of the post. I just wanted to ask what level of risk is entailed in not having the spring on the seal.

I felt motivated to do all the work to address a potentially catastrophic issue, but I do not feel motivated to redo all the work to address a seemingly minor issue.

But I take it from some of the comments, at least a few people do feel the stem seal spring is a sufficiently worthy cause to take it apart again? I don't think I agree at this point, but I did want to get some other opinions, so I do thank you.

windhund116

Just keep a close eye on the oil level.

Good luck!

AP1Driver

If it was meant to be there, it needs to be there. Longevity will not happen without them, for sure... I'd replace them immediately if it were my fubar; I'd rather get another 200k+ miles than the alternative (unknown).

windhund116

The only similar experience like this I've had was with early 1600 and 2000cc BMW engines. They used natural rubber-blend valve seals. They used darn natural rubber-blend on everything. The rubber would get so hard with exposure to oil contaminates (or smog, in the case of window seals) --- that the seals would actually cut into and wear out the valve stems. The cars would blow a TON of blue exhaust after a long downhill, using the gears & engine compression to slow you down.

You take off the cam, rocker arm assembly, & springs... and the valve stem seal looked perfect. Like brand new. However, the valve stems all measured below factory tolerance. Replace the seals with synthetic ones and new valves --- no more valve guide blow-by problems.

For the OP, keep an eye on blowing out blue smoke from exhaust. And oil loss.

Good luck!