VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc 54 BelAir 235 powerglide valve stem seals

I’m trying to replace the valve stem seals in my engine and I bought replacements and they are o-ring style. I’ve started and the existing is a cup style with number 3010 on it. What am I suppose to use?

The original valve stem seal from 1948 and up to the 1980's is the little O ring that fits in a grove near the top of the valve stem. It seals beween he valve stem and the valve spring retainer and prevents excessive amounts of oil from running down the valve guide. When properly installed they do a good job, By properly I mean the spring retainer is FIRST depressed and then the seal is installed.
The "other" seal you found is an after market device which some imes holds oil wnen they get old and cause oil consumption.

Thanks. Next problem, I’ve replaced the seals and now it won’t start.
Compression test shows
1-30#
2-90#
3-90#
4-90#
5-0#
6-80#
What did I screw up and how do I fix it?

Did you change the rocker arm aduustments.....lock nut and adjusting screw on push rod side of the rocker arm?

I am thinking Gene is right. The compressions on #1 and #5 are not good while #6 isnt much better, do your valve clearances then recheck compressions. if the valves are riding on the rockers they dont seal the compression.
Tony

I took the side cover off and found several push rods were not seated.
Runs smooth and no smoke!
Thanks for the help!!!