Vavle Stem Seals 95 350 TBI

Hello all,

This is my first post and I wish to find out some information about why my truck is smoking so bad. Its been going on for months now and I have been told with my 350tbi with 180,000 miles that it is most likely the valve stem seals. The parts are only $17 for intake/exhaust seals but every shop in town wants atleast $500 to do the work.
My question to you experienced guys is, is this very complicated? This will be my first time doing this. I have a few knowledgable friends to help me with the process but I would just like to hear from the experienced guys what kind of job it is.
It's to my understanding ill need a valve stem tool to compress and remove the valves to get down to the seal to replace it. Since I only have to do this 16 times (8cylinder) it seems like it should go along smoothly and not be too time consuming. Anyways, im just looking for extra info/help on this job.
Any of your replys are greatly appreciated. Thanks

griffin

Welcome to AF.

The stem seals are actually O-rings that are located just below the keepers on the valve spring retainers. The springs need to be removed but not the valves. This can be done with the heads on the engine, but is far easier if the heads are removed. In any case, do one at a time so that retainers don't get mixed between intake and exhaust as you may experience fatigue failure later down the road.

Just got done doing the '78 Blazer. You'll need an air compressor and an adapter to pressurize the cylinder to keep the valve from dropping down when you pull the spring off. Pull all of the spark plugs and the rocker arms in the beginning. Do one valve at a time. I use a very compact spring compressor so I can use both hands to get the keepers out and in. Use a good magnet and a pick. Also use a plastic hammer to give each spring retainer a good pop to break the seal on the keepers before you try to compress the spring.

It is a time consuming job and on a scale from 1-10 I would rate it as around a 6 in difficulty.

Good luck.