Im thinking of doing the valve seals on my 1969 Beaumont 350. From what I have heard, that year of 350 didn't come with umbrella seals but was told that older ford small blocks used an umbrella seal that will work on chev 350's. Anyone have thoughts or tips I would greatly appreciate it. The heads are still on the engine. Bit of blue smoke on start up. Was hoping valve seals will fix this. Thanks for any info on this subject.
Your 350 must have been one that came with those skimpy little o-ring style seals. I've never really understood how they were supposed to work, since they tend to ride up and down with the valve stem. I think the seal needs to slide on the valve stem to wipe the oil away. The umbrella style is supposed to anchor to the valve guide. Unfortunately, I think GM saved money by only machining the top of the valve guide flat, and didn't machine the top of the valve guide into a cylinder (so the umbrella can fit down over it).
The Ford seals I've seen were the same basic design as the ones shown in the link. Buying the Chev ones should ensure you get the right ones for your valve stem diameters, valve guide dimensions and inside diameter of the springs. Not sure I understand why the Ford ones would be better? Maybe there's a different style than I am familiar with?
-- Edited by 66 Beau on Tuesday 27th of February 2018 12:15:15 PM
for what its worth...a little smoke on start up actually is good for the valve stems....i had a 77 chev-305 c.i. for 19yrs that did the same thing....just changed the oil & Lub every 2000 mi.....never had the covers off(could have used a valve adj-slight tick) 175,000 mi....frame rotted out
