Valve stem seals

[Wangler]

Is it possible to renew the valve stem seals without removing the cylinder head?

[Mikenoangelo]

I have no idea about the Fulvia but have in the past made a tool for my Twin OHC Salmson which replaces the spark plug and has an L shaped hook which can used to hold the valve up while the spring is removed and the seal replaced. The shank of the hook is mounted eccentrically in a bush which screws into the spark plug hole so that when the hook is turned the hooked part swings outboard of the bush inside the combustion chamber just enough to catch under the valve. A coil spring around the shank of the hook holds it up while you fiddle with the valve and seal,
.
Ican post some pictures if that would help.

Mike Clark

[Wangler]

Thanks Mike. I think it should be possible. My thought was not too dissimilar which was to push something into the spark plug hole. Possibly a small inflatable rubber balloon if there is such a thing, although I don't know if the collets would release easily so as not to put too much pressure on the balloon.

If that worked how would you compress the valve spring? I'm thinking of a metal bar say 12" long attached somehow to the cylinder head at one end for a fulcrum and then press down on the other end to compress the spring?

[Wangler]

I've found a few Youtube videos that should work.

The ones I've seen involve stuffing rope into the cylinder. Much easier than inflating a balloon!

[Mikenoangelo]

Here is a picture of the tool.

Yes a lever attached to the head did the trick for me. The Salmson DHC engine conveniently has a detachable cam box which is fixed on by 4 large studs - just the job for a bespoke lever arrangement to compress the valve sprimgs.

Mike Clark

[Wangler]

Ok thanks Mike. It looks like it can be done one way or another with a bit of careful fiddling.

I’ll probably leave it until the winter, as if new seal doesn’t do the job I’ll have to consider changing the valve guides. In some ways I’d quite enjoy taking the head off and polishing up everything!

[lancialulu]

Recommend doing it with the head off the engine......

[Wangler]

Why would that be the best way? It’s a lot more work.

[Richard Fridd]

Thanks Mike. I think it should be possible. My thought was not too dissimilar which was to push something into the spark plug hole. Possibly a small inflatable rubber balloon if there is such a thing, although I don't know if the collets would release easily so as not to put too much pressure on the balloon.

If that worked how would you compress the valve spring? I'm thinking of a metal bar say 12" long attached somehow to the cylinder head at one end for a fulcrum and then press down on the other end to compress the spring?

My frame for valve spring compression ( Flaminia application)

[lancialulu]

Why would that be the best way? It’s a lot more work.

strong double springs which are strong, inaccessible, danger of dropping a valve, do you know if the valve guides can take a seals. It was only on later engines…. The work to take a head off is less than a day and gives proper opportunity to assess the whole.

[Wangler]

Fair points but I don’t want to disturb things that seem to be working perfectly, although I did see carbon build up on the exhaust valves with my endoscope.

I assume that there are valve stem seals (S3 engine) but haven’t looked.

[Wangler]

Why would that be the best way? It’s a lot more work.

strong double springs which are strong, inaccessible, danger of dropping a valve, do you know if the valve guides can take a seals. It was only on later engines…. The work to take a head off is less than a day and gives proper opportunity to assess the whole.

I had assumed that the engine was fitted with valve stem seals as standard (S3), especially as I've seen them for sale on Pieces Fulvia. Maybe they're an aftermarket item to save replacing slightly worn valve guides? Any info gratefully received.

[Richard Fridd]

My s2 had seals but my s1 had no seals. Are they perished?
  Richard

[lancialulu]

Why would that be the best way? It’s a lot more work.

strong double springs which are strong, inaccessible, danger of dropping a valve, do you know if the valve guides can take a seals. It was only on later engines…. The work to take a head off is less than a day and gives proper opportunity to assess the whole.

I had assumed that the engine was fitted with valve stem seals as standard (S3), especially as I've seen them for sale on Pieces Fulvia. Maybe they're an aftermarket item to save replacing slightly worn valve guides? Any info gratefully received.

As it is S3 it is likely to have the guides that are fitted with stem seals. These come as part of a gasket set. Only fit to inlet. The beauty of taking the head off is you can assess whether to change the valves due to stem wear. And it is much easier and quicker to work on the head on the bench..... Depending on how many miles (km) the engine has done it would be a good opportunity to change the timing chain and tensioner if they have not been done before.

[Wangler]

My s2 had seals but my s1 had no seals. Are they perished?
  Richard

From my research my understanding is that the S1 cars had stems and guides manufactured to such close tolerances that they didn't need them so were not fitted.