A vehicle’s engine needs regular maintenance to ensure proper functionality. This maintenance involves keeping an eye on several critical parts, including the valve stem seals, which are essential for regulating oil consumption and lubricant to ensure that your engine performs appropriately. The seals not only prevent oil from leaking into your car’s combustion chamber but also allow the valves to move freely.
Valve stem seals that are in good working condition can save you the time and money that come with lengthy repairs and replacements. Unfortunately, the passing of time and the use of your vehicle will wear out the seals and create unnecessary problems. If you are using quality specialty seals in your care, your next step is to learn how to check valve stem seals.
It is important to be aware of the signs of worn valve stem seals before starting to check them.
- Blue smoke from the exhaust
- Excessive oil consumption
- Fouled spark plugs
- Poor engine performance
- Compromised acceleration power
- Increased emissions
How to Check Valve Stem Seals
- Lift open the hood and use a dipstick to check your machine’s oil level. Compare it to the levels seen when the machine oil was checked after a similar amount of usage. Is it lower or just about the same?
- Start your engine and observe the exhaust. What is the color of the smoke? Bluish smoke means that your engine is burning leaked oil. This is a sign of a faulty seal.
- Beware of rattling or tapping noises. Unidentified sounds may indicate a problem with your valves.
- Use a diagnostic reader, which will give you different error codes, and refer to your owner’s manual.
- Inspect the valve stem seals. This step is more difficult as it requires disassembling. Consider hiring a professional to do this.
If you are confident that you can dismantle your engine without causing damage, ensure that you are parked on a flat surface and that the engine has cooled before you begin. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent accidental shocks. Check the valve seal for signs of wear and tear. Hardening, cracking, or deformation are bad signs. Check the surrounding area for any oil leaks. Oil leakage means that you have a damaged seal.
Causes of Bad Stem Seals
Problematic or damaged stem seals are usually caused by
- defects in the seal itself
- improper installation
- increased operating temperatures
- deterioration of fluid
Even if they are made with durable rubber, seals can crack, break, or wear out, allowing oil to seep into the engine’s cylinders.
Damaged stem seals can lead to the accumulation of carbon deposits, which can eventually cause problems with other engine components.
If you have a damaged or faulty seal, the best thing to do is have it replaced. Your new seal will prevent further damage to your machine and help you avoid costly repairs down the road. It is important to check valve stem seals so you can be aware of such issues early on.
Preventive Maintenance
Follow a regular preventative maintenance schedule. Addressing issues before they escalate can avoid big problems. Taking good care of your vehicle and all of its parts can also prevent untimely expenses.
Consider investing in high-quality valve seals. A trusted and reliable supplier of defect-free products can help you protect your machine so that it can serve you well for a long time.
Replace Your Faulty Seals
Remember that replacing your faulty seals on time can save you a lot of trouble and money. Make sure to regularly check valve stem seals and replace them if necessary to prevent more significant and costly problems later on.
If you think you need to replace your seals, look for reputable mechanical component manufacturers and ask them about their specialty seals today.
