What valve seals do you have on your shovelheads?
#1
What valve seals do you have on your shovelheads?
1980 FXWG 80"
Cylinders are WISECO 4293 +0.010 with HASTING rings +0.010
the valves have been cleaned and lapped
I made several attempts, with different valve seals and collars.
1.first setup
I mounted the MANLEY valve seals, for evolution, with the original collars, without removing the step.
I've had this setup for 5 years, no oil issues or anything.
I disassembled the engine to paint the frame
Same pistons with new rings
2. Isecond configuration
I mounted the MANLEY valve seals, for evolution, with the original collars but removing the first step.
White smoke and cylinders are wet with oil.Oil in the exhaust and in the carburetor manifold
3. third configuration
I mounted the original valve seals (brown intake and black exhaust) for the shovelhead, with the original collars intact.
White smoke and cylinders are wet with oil.Oil in the exhaust and in the carburetor manifold
I have noticed that the valve seals are not touching the lower collars.it's correct?
the exhaust valve guide does not have the same height as the intake one, it is more raised on the spring side.Why?
The first setup is the only one that hasn't given me any problems but all the mechanics have advised against the first setup and suggested the second.Other shovelhead owners use the third configuration.
What do you think?
Cylinders are WISECO 4293 +0.010 with HASTING rings +0.010
the valves have been cleaned and lapped
I made several attempts, with different valve seals and collars.
1.first setup
I mounted the MANLEY valve seals, for evolution, with the original collars, without removing the step.
I've had this setup for 5 years, no oil issues or anything.
I disassembled the engine to paint the frame
Same pistons with new rings
2. Isecond configuration
I mounted the MANLEY valve seals, for evolution, with the original collars but removing the first step.
White smoke and cylinders are wet with oil.Oil in the exhaust and in the carburetor manifold
3. third configuration
I mounted the original valve seals (brown intake and black exhaust) for the shovelhead, with the original collars intact.
White smoke and cylinders are wet with oil.Oil in the exhaust and in the carburetor manifold
I have noticed that the valve seals are not touching the lower collars.it's correct?
the exhaust valve guide does not have the same height as the intake one, it is more raised on the spring side.Why?
The first setup is the only one that hasn't given me any problems but all the mechanics have advised against the first setup and suggested the second.Other shovelhead owners use the third configuration.
What do you think?
#2
When you removed the step you lowered - this had nothing to do with whats going on
the seals posted are teflon in a tin seal - we do not use those - i dont care they worked before > that was luck
the all rubber top seals in blue or red is what we use
SO you machined the .562 guide top to .420 - note shovel valve stem is 3/8 and evo is 5 /16 - your explain needs some kind of re do
measure the seal shown bottom inside for reference
draw out how you referenced the rings - top second and the 3 piece oil - what locations - and did you use moly top ring or cast iron top piston ring set
the abundance of oil in the heads - ring seal maybe valve guides worn and or seals not installed correctly - or the cylinders were taper worn and not sealing as well
the seals posted are teflon in a tin seal - we do not use those - i dont care they worked before > that was luck
the all rubber top seals in blue or red is what we use
SO you machined the .562 guide top to .420 - note shovel valve stem is 3/8 and evo is 5 /16 - your explain needs some kind of re do
measure the seal shown bottom inside for reference
draw out how you referenced the rings - top second and the 3 piece oil - what locations - and did you use moly top ring or cast iron top piston ring set
the abundance of oil in the heads - ring seal maybe valve guides worn and or seals not installed correctly - or the cylinders were taper worn and not sealing as well
Last edited by johnjzjz; 02-05-2023 at 07:02 AM.
#3
Thank you johnjzjz
I checked and actually I mounted the first time the valve seals (1979-1984) , taken from a shovelhead engine gasket box, but the second time they gave me 1984 UP gaskets making sure me they were the same.
Could installing the wrong seals, 84 Up instead of 1979-1984 or the obsolete ones (the seals posted are Teflon in a tin seal) justify the oil leak in the cylinders?
I mounted these rings:
I checked the piston and cylinder tolerances, and they are OK
I have used this scheme
I checked and actually I mounted the first time the valve seals (1979-1984) , taken from a shovelhead engine gasket box, but the second time they gave me 1984 UP gaskets making sure me they were the same.
Could installing the wrong seals, 84 Up instead of 1979-1984 or the obsolete ones (the seals posted are Teflon in a tin seal) justify the oil leak in the cylinders?
I mounted these rings:
PISTON RING SET BY HASTINGS № 61-901
- fits 1340cc Shovelhead
- cast iron / steel, compression rings with hard chromium faces
- Over-/Undersize: +0.010 ”
- nominal bore: 3-1/2 ”
- compression ring height: 1/16 ”
- oil ring height: 3/16 ”
- replaces OEM 22335-78B
I checked the piston and cylinder tolerances, and they are OK
I have used this scheme
#4
I really wanted to use the OE teflon K-Line seals but after multiple attempts I couldn't get them to seal properly, smoke and oil on back of intake valve. I switched to Cometic seals with the spring p/n C9424-1. I did have to open up the lower spring seat I.D. slightly so the seal body would slip inside and fit all the way down on the guide. The Cometic's have been trouble free for a couple years now.
Last edited by 84 Shovel; 02-05-2023 at 03:12 PM.
#5
I really wanted to use the OE teflon K-Line seals but after multiple attempts I couldn't get them to seal properly, smoke and oil on back of intake valve. I switched to Cometic seals with the spring p/n C9424-1. I did have to open up the lower spring seat I.D. slightly so the seal body would slip inside and fit all the way down on the guide. The Cometic's have been trouble free for a couple years now.
Thanks for your experience, I'll try to find them
Cometic seals with the spring p/n C9424-1 what year are they specific for?
#7
https://harleytechtalk.com/htt/index...tml#msg1326527
Edit* My Harley factory parts manual lists the valve guide seals for Late 81-on Shovelheads with seal p/n 18000-81 for the K-Line teflon seals. The Cometic and James gaskets positive valve seals cross to the factory part number.
Last edited by 84 Shovel; 02-05-2023 at 05:18 PM.