4.3 V6 valve steam seals replacement

[Kubaat3lover]

Hello folks,
Ive noticed small seep on the corner from my valve cover, I want to replace the gasket, what Ive found my risers and exhaust manifold have to be dropped, thats good time for inspeciton as well (never checked since Ive got the boat period)
Question to You, when my valve covers will be dropped, is it a good idea to replace valve seals? Never did it so is it 'safe' to replace it? Do I need to adjust the lifers? Manual says only Torque and thats it.
Engine S/N 0W326935 its 2005 V6 Carbed 4.3
In Mercruiser catalog ive found 2 types of seals...
For Intake there is part number 26-976641

and part number 26-8M0050563:


for Exhaust: 26-8M0150312 and 26-804507:


Im a little bit confused which part, I would like to order Fel-Pro stuff

Take care,

 

[Scott06]

Unless you are burning oil I would not bother to replace the valve stem seals. It seems like you only have a valve cover leak not a buring oil issue. How many hours are on the engine?

While it is possible to do with the head on the engine, it is a pain to compress the the valve spring with the head on to replace the seal. This is not something I would do just because the valve cover is off for a gasket replacement .

 

[Kubaat3lover]

Not sure how much hours, when I bought boat the tacho was dead, I did 160hrs.
Dont have any problem with burning oil, runs nice, starts nice, no blue smoke. Just wondering if I can do it while covers are off.
Can the compression test show the issue with seals?

btw.

doesnt look bad

 

[Bondo]

Not sure how much hours, when I bought boat the tacho was dead, I did 160hrs.
Dont have any problem with burning oil, runs nice, starts nice, no blue smoke. Just wondering if I can do it while covers are off.
Can the compression test show the issue with seals?

btw.

doesnt look bad

Nope,....

 

[Scott06]

Not sure how much hours, when I bought boat the tacho was dead, I did 160hrs.
Dont have any problem with burning oil, runs nice, starts nice, no blue smoke. Just wondering if I can do it while covers are off.
Can the compression test show the issue with seals?

btw.

doesnt look bad

No oil use no smoke = no problem with seals.

Compression test will not show valve seal leaks. If you had good compression but were using oil and blowing blue smoke.... that would point to seals. But if you have good compression and no oil use that points to nothing is wrong with your engine.

Yes you can do it while the covers are off, just wondering why if you have no symptoms of an issue.

You need a valve spring comnpressor like this and compressed air to hold the valves up when the keepers and retainers are removed... https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...IdlQiUh5TIHH-usPEkyaUvxk_RXzOvMRoCaXEQAvD_BwE

 

[Kubaat3lover]

Ok maybe im overthinking as always...
anyway, can You confirm this Valve gasket is correct for my engine?
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-17921 its not available...
this look also similar but its cheaper a little https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-vs50464r

 

[Scott06]

Ok maybe im overthinking as always...

overthinking it, yes … i hope u leave some time to enjoy using the boat. Obviously you enjoy working on it and want it kept in good condition but don’t fix what isn‘t broken.
the valve cover gasket that is not available currently will fit the other one i dont know. Best to contact summit or other supplier they would likely have one to fit.