Anyone use teflon guide seals?

[miller]

Just wondering...and if so, had any probs with them?

Guess my old ways are showing. Teflon guide seals are all I've ever used, always good results, never any problems.

But, like anything else, it's 'these' days now. Yeah, I know...stuck in the 60s...
Wondering if the quality of the seals is the same, as back then. Heard deals on splitting, even the metal band breaking. Lol, course could always be the installer, too.

Go easy! Got enough grey hairs.

 

[1wild&crazyguy]

They are technically harder on the valve stems/wear issue...which means oil will get by sooner.
Ive used them a lot in the past but currently use viton.

 

[lewtot184]

actually they don't let the valve/valve guide lubricate. they're too positive for street operations.

 

[miller]

actually they don't let the valve/valve guide lubricate. they're too positive for street operations.

I've heard that.

Though all the engine builds I've done, never had any issues using those seals. Gotta back off one statement I said on valves though. Senior moment, I guess. Always used chrome-stemmed valves, not stainless.

Just wondering on it, considering when I first started using those things, was told they were used on Mercedes, that would hold up for many miles on the motors.

Any rate, going to put 'em to work. Thanks!

 

[lewtot184]

stainless valves, or at least all i've used, have chrome stems. chrome is good. it's durable and actually helps in lubrication. the problem with teflons for something your going to drive is they don't let any lubrication thru. you need a little. as far as longevity goes the solid teflon will last a long time. the teflons are used mainly for race/high performance where dual or triple springs are needed. if you don't use these types of springs i'd consider a tight guide with an umbrella.

 

[AMX364]

The rubber seals will cause the ports to get smaller due to carbon buildup, sometimes really bad, 40% bad on a street engine. The Perfect Circle seals stop that issue, but you must machine the valve stem top to use them. Later the common name became Teflon, it might be because Perfect Circle is not in automotive anymore?

 

[lewtot184]

perfect circle was the first to market the all Teflon seal. I remember them from back in the '60's. back then no valve seals were used with dual springs until the perfect circle teflons. if using a Viton seal and your getting a carbon build up in the ports it's because the guides are too loose or crummy tune-up with some intake manifold oil. since the late 60's I've tried every seal I could get my fingers on. tight guides with single springs and umbrellas work good on a street car. there are some Viton seals like edelbrock uses on their rpm heads that are cost effective, can be bought in different sizes, easy to install and can be used with dual springs.

 

[rev.ronnie]

Now days all I use is the blue flourolastomer seal with the metal case. The Teflon seals are too restrictive to begin with, but in short time, "wear out" and take a set to too loose of a size. Whenever I pull down a set of heads with Teflon, the valve drops right through with little or no resistance.

 

[miller]

Comments are greatly appreciated!! And understood.

Those seals your talking about, rev.ronnie, are those also called ironclad?

Never have thought much on the umbrella type seals. Just me. Heck, this engine-building game is just a matter of choices anyway.
Sure, I know there are probably new and improved seals around. Those teflon seals have always worked for me, and since I've already had the guides cut for 'em, give it another go.

Really just curious if the things (where ever their made) is the same quality. Dumb question! Time will tell.

Yes, understand the bit of wear the seals get. My thinking is 'seated in', sure allowing a controlled amount of lube into the guide. Pulled down enough heads that had no seal, because the things turn to rock, and crumble...and spread those pieces into the engine.
Prefer something I know will still be there, even with a bit of wear. Just my warped way of thinking.

 

[rev.ronnie]

Comments are greatly appreciated!! And understood.

Those seals your talking about, rev.ronnie, are those also called ironclad?

Never have thought much on the umbrella type seals. Just me. Heck, this engine-building game is just a matter of choices anyway.
Sure, I know there are probably new and improved seals around. Those teflon seals have always worked for me, and since I've already had the guides cut for 'em, give it another go.

Really just curious if the things (where ever their made) is the same quality. Dumb question! Time will tell.

Yes, understand the bit of wear the seals get. My thinking is 'seated in', sure allowing a controlled amount of lube into the guide. Pulled down enough heads that had no seal, because the things turn to rock, and crumble...and spread those pieces into the engine.
Prefer something I know will still be there, even with a bit of wear. Just my warped way of thinking.

Yes, ironclad is used to describe them too. They meter the same from day one to 100,000 miles if the material is high quality. The flourolastomer seems to stay pliable forever. I've never seen one get hard/brittle.