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View Full Version : Would you replace valve stem seals or anything else?



Lexstang
12-02-2008, 01:30 AM
I have 79 f150 with a 400m from an 81 f250. I've been collecting things and looking. With an edelbrock cam, intake, and 4bbl carb it picks up BIG power. I know I need valvesprings. Actually thats why the original 351 isn't there since it dropped a valve after a cam change. I think I may have to pull the heads in order to get the old manifolds off to do a header swap at the same time. Anyway it doesn't smoke at all so figure the stem seals are ok now. Other than the obvious cleanup and gasket would you bother dissasembling the heads and changing the stem seals, spring retainers, or pushrods? I just don't want to waste money on a old truck, its not a racecar or showcar.

facemelter71
12-02-2008, 11:35 AM
When you take the heads off you can either feel them with you fingers or a screw driver (carefully) and see if they are hard or brittle.If so,change them out.I did on my truck and it makes me feel better knowing I changed them.

mustang8998
12-02-2008, 08:56 PM
I know I need valvesprings.

If you are changing the springs, why wouldn't you change the seals too?