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Goodson Gazette

5 Tips for Replacing Valve Seals

  1. Use the right tools.

    Some people try to use pliers, screwdrivers or some other improvised tool to remove valve seals. This can lead to damaged seals, valve stems, valve guides or even yourself. You’re going to need at least two tools to remove valve seals properly: a spring compressor and a seal removal tool.

  2. Release spring pressure in a controlled manner.

    This is where a quality valve spring compressor is essential. You want to release spring pressure gradually to protect the valves, springs, guides and other valvetrain components from dropping into the cylinder or flying all over the shop. This will make it much easier for you to reach in and release the valve seal.

    Goodson VSP-323 Valve Seal Puller
    We recommend a valve seal remover that grips the seal without applying too much pressure which can crush the seal or mar the valve stem. The Goodson VSP-323 Valve Seal Puller has three fingers with tips that act like fingernails to slip under the bottom of the seal to pull it free. It is sized to work within the limits of the bucket bore.

  3. Clean the valve stem and guide before installing a new seal.

    Don’t skip this step or you may be replacing your valve seals sooner rather than later. When you clean the valve stem and valve guide before installing a new seal, you’re removing the dirt, oil, debris and general gunk that get in the way of a proper seal. Use a soft rag or shop towel to clean the stem and guide thoroughly before installing the new seal.

  4. Lubricating a valve spring before installationLubricate the seal before installation.

    You might be tempted to install the new seal dry, but this can cause the seal to tear or crack during installation. It can also create heat and friction during operation. We recommend always using some engine oil or assembly lube to coat the new valve seal before sliding it onto the valve stem and guide.

  5. Align the new seal properly.

    Close up of mechanic installing a valve stem seal
    Pay attention to how the new seal sits on the valve stem. It should be firmly seated, but not too tight. Don’t use too much pressure when installing the seal either. This can cause the seal to be crooked, loose or damaged. Align the seal with the groove on the valve stem and use a seal installer to gently tap it into place.

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Measuring Combustion Chamber Volume

The volume of a cylinder head's combustion chamber is an incredibly important spec. Too big, and you are leaving compression on the table. Too small, and you might hurt the engine. Measuring it isn't hard, but you need to follow the right steps in order to get an accurate result.

Goodson teamed up with EngineLabs.com to create this tech article and video.

Read the related article!

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Intake Power Mods with David Vizard

Our good friend David Vizard is back with another episode of Tech Lab Tuesday. In this episode, David moves on to part 9 of the St. Jude's Charity Mission Impossible 318 Mopar Build. Here he shows how to do just a metal removal job to increase the intake ports power potential by about 25%.

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Reconditioning High Silicon Aluminum Alloy Engine Blocks

One of the most significant features of aluminum die-cast engine blocks is that they don't require steel or cast iron liners in the cylinder bores. Particles of pure silicon, averaging about .001" in diameter are dispersed throughout the engine block. As silicon is very hard, there will be very little wear in the cylinder bores. In fact, as far as pistons and rings are concerned, the cylinder wall IS silicon; the aluminum's function is simply to hold the silicon particles.

Reconditioning Hints

If cylinder bores in these blocks become excessively worn or scored, they can be honed to accept oversize pistons. Unfortunately, the sizing and finishing processes you would normally use leave cylinder wall of silicon and aluminum. The silicon particles no longer protrude from the aluminum.

To achieve the proper surface for compatibility with the rings and pistons you will need to prepare the cylinder bores so the silicon particles protrude. This allows the pistons and rings to only contact silicon. A special conditioning operation is required to remove the aluminum from between the silicon particles.

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Trade Show Season 2023

Mark your Calendar

Mark your calendars now for the upcoming Automotive Trade Shows, Conferences and Conventions!

PERA logoPerformance Engine Rebuilders Association 2023 Convention

When: September 20-22, 2023
Where: Houston, TX 

Get More information 

AERA Tech & Skills Regional Conferences Logo


AERA Tech & Skills Conference

When: October 6, 2023
Where: Rottler Mfg., Kent WA

Get More Information Now!

ATRA Powertrain Expo Logo

ATRA Powertrain Expo 2023

When: October 25 - 29, 2023
Where: Nashville, TN

Get More Information Now!

SEMA Show logo

SEMA Show

When: October 31 - November 3, 2023
Where: Las Vegas, NV

Get More Information Now!

Performance Racing Industry Show

 Performance Racing Industry Show

When: December 7 - 9, 2023
Where: Indianapolis, IN

Get More Information Now!

Goodson will be attending the PERA Convention, AERA Tech & Skills Conference and the Performance Racing Industry Show. Come see us there!

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Tech Lab Tuesday Presents Low-Lift Flow

Another great video from our friends at Jim's Auto Machine Shop in Colorado.

This one is a treat for the diesel guys! Our customer came to us in need of help for their 550HP 7.3L Powerstroke... but we've already seen these heads once before.

Products Used in this Video:

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Replacing and Machining Pin Bushings

We have a special treat today – a short video from Goodson customer, Jim's Automotive Machine Shop in Gill, Colorado. Jim and son, Nicolaus have a thriving business and online profile and they've graciously allowed us to share this video with you.

This video takes you through the steps to remove, replace and prep pin bushings for your next project. Need more information, contact our Techxperts at 1-800-533-8010.

Pin Bushing Video Screenshot

NOTE: this link will take you to JAMSIOnline's YouTube channel.

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Using the Crankshaft Stroke Checker | Tech Lab Tuesday

Learn how to accurately measure crankshaft stroke length up to 6" using the Goodson Crankshaft Stroke Checker.

 

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As always, if you have any questions or need help, contact the Goodson Techxperts™ at 1-800-533-8010 or drop them an email.

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Setting Up Expanding Pilots | Tech Lab Tuesday

Expanding Pilots are a great alternative when the exact pilot you need isn't available. But they have to be set up correctly. We get a lot of questions about how to set-up the Expanding Pilots in the product line. For this week's Tech Lab Tuesday, we put together a short video outlining the steps.

Remember, do NOT use expanding pilots with multi-angle valve seat cutting systems such as the Goodson 3-D Fast Cut™. 

Related Products:

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Using the V-Twin On-The-Engine Spring Compressor | Tech Lab Tuesday

We get a lot of questions about how to use the V-Twin On-the-Engine Spring Compressor so we've together a short video that shows just how easy it is to use. 

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