1984 3 liter mercruiser

[rolmops]

I am doing a valve job on this engine (my first ever) and I am wondering about the valve spring cap seal,that little rubber ring that sits on the valve. How important is it? can I go without or is that not such a good idea? If I need it,is it the same one that is on the 305 chevy block or is the ones on the 350?
Thank you for your comments and help.
Cornelis

 

[achris]

Re: 1984 3 liter mercruiser

Are you talking about the valve stem seal?

Edit: yes it's the same as a 305/350 (they are the same), and yes, it's important

Just had a look at the list of engines that seal is used on... All of them!!! All the 4s, and the 6s, and the V6s, and all the SBC V8s.... Same seal! All the way from 1963 to, in my parts listing, 1999

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1984 3 liter mercruiser

Yes. That's what I mean.
When I removed the valves they were either torn or completely lacking. I wonder what purpose they serve and how crucial they are.
Cheers, Cornelis

 

[achris]

Re: 1984 3 liter mercruiser

They are quite important. They slow the oil leaking down the valve guide, and actually seal when the valve reaches end of travel and the port has maximum suck (intake) or blow (exhaust).... For the $1.50 each that they are, I'd be putting them on.... Did you read my 'edit' on the first post? I checked where those seals are used...

Chris.......

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1984 3 liter mercruiser

Thanks for the heads up. I found some online in California. They will be here in western New York state ( 12 miles past hole in the wall) by Thursday. I ordered the original Mercruiser ones because they are rectangular while the automotive ones are o-rings. I don't know how much of a difference it is,but it makes me feel better to know that these are the original ones.
Cornelis

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1984 3 liter mercruiser

Thanks for the heads up. I found some online in California. They will be here in western New York state ( 12 miles past hole in the wall) by Thursday. I ordered the original Mercruiser ones because they are rectangular while the automotive ones are o-rings. I don't know how much of a difference it is,but it makes me feel better to know that these are the original ones.
I see that you made member of the month. What did you have to do to receive that honour?
Cornelis

 

[achris]

Re: 1984 3 liter mercruiser

Hey Cornelis,

Any chance you could photograph your distributor points cam and post that photo in this thread?

Cheers and thanks....

http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...new-me-boat-need-help-620167.html#post4338660

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1984 3 liter mercruiser

Hello Again Chris.
Both the engine in my boat and the one being rebuilt have electronic ignition. I'll go through my junk pile and see if I can find a setup with points that does not look completely rusted over.
Cornelis.