Ron Kelly Engine valve seal

ldreeg

ldreeg

Well-known member
I have a Model A Motor built by Ron Kelly 28-30 years ago. Finally installed it and have 600 miles on it when a valve spring broke. I'm replacing all the springs and it has been machined for valve stem seals. Because of age, I want to replace all the seals since we're in there.
Anyone have an idea what seal might be in there?
Thanks, Larry
 
Sounds like modern guides, not the two piece ones. It seems like a flathead would have less need for seals than a ohv, since their guides are at the bottom of the space, rather than the top. If you don't find a replacement, maybe do without?
 
I removed one and it has a number 3014 USA on it. I believe they are SB Chevy, 11/32" stem size and .500 ID. Gonna check with O'Reilly's. Thanks
 
ldreeg said:
I removed one and it has a number 3014 USA on it. I believe they are SB Chevy, 11/32" stem size and .500 ID. Gonna check with O'Reilly's. Thanks
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Do as you wish however that seal is not going to control any sealing on a Model-A/B Valve Stem. By design, it can't.
 
The seal is designed to allow a limited amount of oil to seep through to lubricate the valve stem. It stops a flood of oil.
 
I saw a post from a V8 engine builder on the HAMB that said (paraphrasing), "Customers sometimes ask for valve stem seals in engines we're building. We haven't seen anything to indicate that the seals have any effect, good or bad. But the customer wants them, so we install them."
 
IMO, if the engine is fitted with those valve guides that slide easily into the block and are held there by the spring, more oil will get past the guide/block area than up the stems.
I have heard of people installing valve stem seals but I have never done it - and can't see why I ever will.
 
nkaminar said:
The seal is designed to allow a limited amount of oil to seep through to lubricate the valve stem. It stops a flood of oil.
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It acts like an umbrella to keep the oil from running DOWN the stem on an OHV engine and past the guides into the intake or exhaust.
They do nothing in a flathead A engine since the the oil does not climb UP the stem......
 
nkaminar said:
The seal is designed to allow a limited amount of oil to seep through to lubricate the valve stem. It stops a flood of oil.
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ModelA29 said:
It acts like an umbrella to keep the oil from running DOWN the stem on an OHV engine and past the guides into the intake or exhaust.
They do nothing in a flathead A engine since the the oil does not climb UP the stem......
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Exactly. Often times people do not think things thru. They just jump onto the bandwagon, ...even when the bandwagon is promoting a bad design.
 
Modela29 has it correct. If you are using solid guides in an A engine the more oil on the stems is a good thing.
 
I had a valve stem starve for oil on long trip.It was due to a faulty oil filter design. I ended up having to replace valve guide and wallowd out seat
I would not put a seal in it,more oil is better.


John
 
Ron Kelly engine could be an OHV head ?! He had a double cab ramp truck that was stunning ! Maybe Ldreeg will tell us ??
 
Big hammer said:
Ron Kelly engine could be an OHV head ?! He had a double cab ramp truck that was stunning ! Maybe Ldreeg will tell us ??
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Yes Steve Serr OHV head with 5 mains and full pressure Ron Kelley engine.

It was a pleasure to see this truck in person at a MAFCA or MARC Meet at a Colorado meet about 20 plus years ago. Greeley maybe?

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/ford-model-aa-crewcab-speedster/


Workmanship on this truck is "TOP SHELF" !!!

Be sure to view all 7 photos!
 
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Thank you all for the information. It is not an OHV, plain flathead. I understand what everyone is saying, doesn't do much good in a plain flathead.
 
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