Z06Vette.com - Corvette Z06 Forum

LeRox · 11-17-2009, 10:12 AM

I was wondering if you want to replace the valve stem seals when replacing the valve springs if the heads need to be removed or if there is some special tool that you can use to remove/re-install the seals without taking the heads off. Z is a 2002' (if it matters). Thanks

racingvette · 11-17-2009, 11:09 AM

They just pop off so the head does not have to come off but
to prevent valve dropping down into cylinder if you use an air compressor connected to the hole for sparkplug would keep the valve from dropping.

If not rope could be pushed into that hole filling cylinder free space so valve cannot drop so far down that you cannot get it back from the top

Else much more hassle turning engine over to keep cylinder at top so valve stays up.

LeRox · 11-17-2009, 01:31 PM

Thanks for the info. I was aware of the need to hook up air to the spark plug hole (to prevent valve drop), but wasnt sure if there was a 'special tool' req'd for replacing the valve stem seals. Good to hear that I dont need one.....

RocketSled · 11-19-2009, 08:41 AM

IMO, the "Rope Trick" is better than compressed air. I had someone trip over a hose once, and the result was that I ended up having to peel the damn head off to retrieve the valve, and while I haven't done a lot of valve work since that happened, the few times I have I have always opted for rope over a compressor. The rope is just more "fault tolerant" a method...

LeRox · 11-19-2009, 08:53 AM

Ha Ha Ha....Thanks Rocket.....Man I would have "killed" the guy who tripped over the air hose.....

Z0fritz · 11-19-2009, 09:13 AM

Like the above post said, they just pop off. I do have the little plastic tool used for installing them and I like it. It only cost like $5 or $10 bucks...it makes it simple. Probably not needed, but I like having tools. I suppose you could accomplish the same thing with a deep socket or something though.

LeRox · 11-19-2009, 12:11 PM

Hmmm....Wouldnt mind picking up one of these cheap tools to do my project. Can you PM me a link to the tool fritz??

Z0fritz · 11-19-2009, 12:30 PM

LeRox,...man I apologize. I wasn't thinking. The tool I have I got from Thunder Racing back in the LT1 days. I think the valve stem seals for the LT1 is 11/32..a touch small than the LS motors...I could be wrong about that. You might call them,or any of the shops for that matter, and see if there is a tool for the LS motors....I would assume there is. But, anything that slides over the valve and allows equal pressure on the seal should work...deep socket, small plastic tubing, etc... it doesn't take much to seat them.

Z0fritz · 11-19-2009, 12:48 PM

actually, the LT1 tool might work....The valve stem seal is 11/32 (.344") and the OD is just a touch bigger according to what I can find from parts supply places online. The LS valve stem seals appear to be .500 x 8mm (.315"). So, the LT1 tool might be slightly bigger but still might work. Just throwing it out there...if it was my car I would want to be sure.

LeRox · 11-19-2009, 02:28 PM

Thanks for the info. From what Ive heard/read, you dont really need a valve stem seal tool for replacement on a LS motor. Think Ill just use a deep well socket or whatever works....

racingvette · 11-19-2009, 02:29 PM

You do not have to go find a tool.

Use a small socket that is just about the size of seal and just light taps on it.

Eddie 70 · 11-19-2009, 05:34 PM

I used a socket and tapped mine on when I changed them on my 70 swap. I did however have the heads off the car.

I have read about the rope trick but have never used it myself. I am guessing the cylinder has to be on the compression stroke to use this. Is there a certain length of rope you recommend using for this? I may have to make a new tool this weekend. I do plan on changing the valve springs at some point.