Jan. 05, 2024
Valve seals precisely control the amount of oil entering the valve stem system, making them critical components in maintaining your engine’s compression levels. Having a valve stem seal that works correctly within any of your applications can save you time and money by eliminating the need for lengthy engine repairs and replacements. But how do you check for bad valve seals, and what signs should you be aware of?
No one wants to face valve issues because they indicate a severe problem within your machine’s engine. Here is where Global Elastomeric Products comes into play. Learn how to find faulty seals and what you can do to avoid these issues.
Table of Contents
Valve stem seals control oil consumption and lubricant in an engine by allowing a specific amount of oil inside the valve stem as it moves. A controlled amount of oil is crucial in maintaining adequate lubrication. Otherwise, too little oil can cause various components to wear as parts rub together. However, excess oil can result in carbon buildup, which can lead to many issues, such as:
Essentially, valve stem seals prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber from the cylinder head. A damaged seal can cause engine oil flooding that will lead to engine failure.
Six ways to assess whether you have a faulty seal on your hands include:
One of the best ways to tell if you have a faulty valve seal is to conduct a cold engine test. After your machine hasn’t run for a while — even overnight — the seal is now cool. Once you start the engine, the seal will contract. Damaged seals will leave a small gap. Leftover oil will then settle at the top of the valve cover head.
When you start the engine, you may also see blue-tinted smoke appear from the exhaust. If this happens, it means the residual oil is passing down through the damaged seal and into the combustion chamber. The bluish smoke, which is burned oil, signifies that the engine needs a new seal, even if it clears after several minutes of running the engine.
Depending on the machines and equipment you use, smoke is often a common form of exhaust. However, when you start seeing it last longer than usual or appear a different color, you know a faulty seal may be the cause. The excessive smoke may also come in more consistent waves as the engine runs for long periods. Be aware of specific machine movements that cause more smoke than usual.
If you notice you’re going through more oil than usual, it can be another indication of a bad seal. When oil leaks or burns at higher rates, the seal no longer controls the oil flow. Burning oil increases emissions and can contaminate the catalyst. Unburned fuel in the exhaust skyrockets the converter’s operating temperatures, which can cause the converter to overheat and create a blocked exhaust.
Make sure to check the engine’s oil level with a dipstick, and refer to your oil log to see if the fluid levels differ. You can make this part of your regular maintenance schedule. While oil leaks are often a clear warning of faulty valve seals, they may not always be visible, so don’t rely on this as a guaranteed warning because the oil could be burning off.
Pay attention to your machines if they ever idle. When the engine is at rest, high vacuum levels can cause the oil to build around the heads of the valve system while the valve is closed. If the seal is faulty, you may once again see blue-tinted smoke when the engine begins to run. That means the oil is getting pulled past the seal and into the valve guide. Make sure to shut the engine down and remove it from operation until you can get it repaired.
Depending on the engines you use in the oilfield and agricultural industries, testing the engine’s compression can also help determine if your valve stem seals are deteriorating. If the machine has a higher compression level, you have a valve seal issue and you'll need replacements. On the other hand, a lower level may designate a piston ring malfunction.
An engine with broken seals can cause oil to build on the electrodes of the engine’s spark plugs. As a result, plug fouling can occur, which is an accumulation of carbon deposits that can cause engine misfires. As carbon buildup increases, so does compression, leading to engine damage from faulty detonation or even issues with pre-ignition.
Knowing these six signs of valve stem seal failure can help you mitigate the issue before problems like oil leaks and high compression levels begin. The sooner you notice different-colored smoke, an increase in oil usage, misfiring engine startups and idle noises, the faster you can make the necessary seal repairs. In return, your operations will remain efficient, productive and safe.
The main causes of a deteriorated seal come from faults within the seal itself and improper installation. Even though valves consist of high-strength rubber, they can break, crack or wear down. Seals could even be missing from a botched installation. Any of these faults in the seal will cause oil to reach the engine’s cylinders.
As valve stem seals begin to fail, carbon buildup forms, which also affects other engine components like the valve seat and guide — which is why quick repairs are critical.
In some cases, there still may be excellent compression. However, if high oil consumption is present, it will then cause higher operating temperatures that can lead to broken or cracked seals. Seal problems can also form from an improper clearance between the valve and valve guide. When it’s loose within the cylinder head, it can move laterally, wearing out the valve.
The best thing you and your crew can do is refer to your preventive maintenance schedule for each piece of equipment in your fleet and complete regular safety checks.
Daily or weekly inspections will help you find leaks and problems before they become more severe.
It’s also essential to invest in top-quality valve seal solutions that are free of defaults. Partnering with a company that guarantees seal products with no defaults places you ahead of the competition, giving you a competitive advantage.
Because many factors can indicate a bad valve stem seal, you’ll have to investigate and not always rely on the various signs. If you have the appropriate training and qualifications, go ahead and start your inspection. Otherwise, rely on the experts for guidance.
Open the hood to the engine and check the oil level of your machine using a dipstick. Is it significantly lower compared to other times after a similar amount of usage? You can also check to see if there is any excess clearance between the valve stem and guide. Leaks are an obvious sign the valve stem seal has issues — but these aren't always present, even when the seal is failing.
Start the engine and observe the exhaust. Is there a lot of smoke coming out of the pipe, and does it have a blue-gray tint? If so, the engine is burning leaked oil — which is why you may not see any leaks under the hood.
Listen for odd noises like rattling or tapping as the engine idles. Any unusual sounds can indicate problematic valves.
Check for engine and error lights that can indicate a problem. You can hook the machine up to a diagnostic reader to scan for different error codes. For example, valve seal and valve guide issues will read as specific codes, so reference the owner’s manual for assistance.
If worse comes to worst, you will need to disassemble the engine and inspect the valve stem seals and other components. Relying on the professionals for this step may be best to ensure more parts do not get damaged throughout the process. You or the expert should look for dented, cracked, broken or deteriorated valve seals.
Valve stem seals' replacement costs are affordable in the long run because new seals prevent more catastrophic engine damage.
If oil is leaking from your engine, you’ll want to find a temporary, stopgap solution until you identify the issue and make repairs. For example, you can use an oil stop-leak additive in the oil filler, just like you would with regular engine oil. The additive will give the valve seals a quick fix by causing them to expand, creating a rapid extension of life.
You can also add high-mileage oil with seal conditioners that can slow or stop oil leaks. This type of oil keeps the seals pliable to help prevent corrosion.
Once you make a short-term fix, it’s crucial to start on repairs or replacements right away. Prolonged valve failure can affect the entire engine and hydraulics system, costing you expensive repairs or replacements in the future.
Failed parts can also affect your workers' safety and well-being. Your machine may begin to operate hazardously with a jolt of power or faster/slower movements than usual.
Once you’ve taken the correct preventive measures, replace the leaking seals using the following steps:
Fast valve stem seal replacements are just as essential as choosing a manufacturer that knows the vitality of a well-designed valve stem seal. Look for custom solutions that can fit your specific requirements if your machines are unique to your industry or operations.
You will want to invest in top-tier solutions that are free of defaults. For example, Global Elastomeric Products has an inventory of rubber seals that provide an elastomeric seal for your engines. We focus our valve seal portfolio on durable, temperature- and chemical-resistant solutions. We can also manufacture any customized rubber compound to fit your unique needs.
Our packer elements and valve seals include:
Quality means everything when you’re trying to meet your oil or agricultural industry quotas, including valve seals. Your business needs to rely on elastomeric products that produce defect-free replacement parts just as much as you count on efficient employees on your rig. If you neglect quality, you can put your operations and workers at risk of breakdowns and injuries.
Functional valve stem seals are crucial in keeping your operations efficient. Whether you work in the agricultural, oil or another industry, your machines drive daily operations. If you’re experiencing seal leaks, deterioration or damage, Global Elastomeric Products has what you need.
We guarantee our standard and custom in-house seal designs will be free of defects. Our experts design, manufacture and distribute our valve seal product lines while keeping your specifications at the forefront of each customization. We can generate product designs and engineer seals for any oil field or agricultural application. Global Elastomeric Products is the solution to your leaking and damaged seals.
Reach out to us online with questions or for more information about our solutions. You can also request a free quote by calling us at 661-831-5380 to help you better understand our valve stem seal products.
Updated: 11/09/2023
One of the most common automotive problems is a main seal leak. Located near the transmission, this part keeps oil in the crankcase and flowing to the various engine components. Often, a car's oil consumption is hidden by other parts, but a rear main seal leak is very obvious. In addition to oil spillage, your vehicle may also have other issues such as a cracked head gasket or a broken main gasket.
In some cases, a main seal leak can occur from a defective rear seal. The leak can be asymptomatic until the car reaches a certain temperature. If it is a slow leak, the problem is most likely at night or after parking. If you notice oil stains, it may be a sign that your car is losing oil. However, if you notice a leaking main gasket, it's better to get a professional to diagnose it.
The rear main seal is typically driven into the engine's rear cover recess. Once installed, you can't see the seals, so you need to get an expert to diagnose the main seal leak problem. In some cases, oil accumulation may be a sign of a leak. If the oil light comes on after changing the oil, it's likely that you're dealing with a leak.
A rear main seal leak can be a major problem for your vehicle. It can result in serious damage to your car's engine, which is why it's important to have it repaired as soon as possible. If you think the oil level is too low, you should stop driving the vehicle. The rear main seal can be difficult to repair because it's located in a difficult-to-access location. You may have to remove the engine, transmission, and oil pan to get access to it.
Rear main seals are difficult to inspect, but they are vital to the functioning of the car. An oil leak can cause your car to lose engine oil, and it can cause a costly repair bill. In addition to oil leaks, there are other symptoms that may indicate the presence of a main-sealed rear main seal leak. An underbody oil warning light may also indicate a rear-main seal problem.
If you suspect a rear-main seal leak, you should take your vehicle to a professional technician as soon as possible. The oil leak in the front of the transmission is a sign of a rear-main seal failure. The fluid is likely leaking from the front main-seal. If the front main-sealed rear-main seal leak is present, you should clean the engine and check for the leaks.
Arnold Motor Supply has been a leading supplier of auto parts since 1927. Founded and based in Iowa, we have locations all over the midwest. Order your parts today and you'll be notified via email once your purchase is ready for pickup at your local Arnold Motor Supply auto parts store.
Ugly, greasy stains on the driveway...a burning smell and smoke coming from your engine...and the oil light on your dashboard flicking on and off—yikes! This sounds like it could be an engine oil leak. Not only are these issues hard to ignore, but they're signs of a problem you can’t afford to ignore. Putting off repairs for an oil leak could lead to bigger headaches later on, from serious engine damage to overheating on the side of the road. Study up on the top symptoms of an engine oil leak so you can recognize one if you see it, and learn more about the important role oil plays in the health of your vehicle.
When you back out from your driveway or parking space, check to see if there are dark brown or yellow puddles where your car was sitting. (Pro-Tip: If you don't have a dedicated parking space you can watch for spotting, lay down a piece of cardboard or a plastic plate underneath your vehicle when you park. That way you can confirm the leak is coming from your car, not someone else's.) If your oil pan has a leak, it will spill out directly onto the pavement and could cause issues with oil levels and pressure.
If oil drips onto the exhaust manifold, it’s going to result in smoke coming from the engine area. Leave this problem unattended for too long and leaking oil could damage the oxygen sensors or cause gaskets to break down.
Your oil light is a dashboard warning that you shouldn't ignore. It will alert you if the oil level or oil pressure is lower than normal. While it doesn’t automatically indicate a leak, it does require further inspection.
Engine oil plays an essential role in regulating the engine's temperature. It lubricates the pistons and makes sure they glide smoothly within their housing. Without proper lubrication, the pistons will grind against other parts of the engine, produce great amounts of heat, and potentially cause your engine to seize-up and stall. If there's an oil leak and the oil level drops too low, the engine could overheat.
If there’s oil leaking onto your engine's hot metal parts, you're likely to smell burning oil and hear a sizzle, sizzle when the oil comes into contact with the hot engine. If you notice an unpleasant smell that's thick and bitter paired with the sound of bacon frying under the hood, you could have an oil leak.
If you believe you have an oil leak, don’t waste time getting it checked out. Oil lubricates the moving parts of your engine, reducing friction and regulating the temperature of your engine. Driving with a leak could mean extra wear and tear on your vehicle and unfortunate engine damage.
The easiest way to spot an oil leak as soon as it sprouts is by getting your oil changed at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals. Your car’s manual will detail exactly how often this is. At Tires Plus, every oil change service comes with a courtesy vehicle inspection that can alert you to an evolving issue that may lead to an oil leak, or bring your attention to an existing leak.
If you suspect something fishy is going on under your hood, visit your nearest Tires Plus and have our technicians take a look. They can help identify and repair leaks, but they can also take care of an important preventative service: your oil change. You can rely on them for excellent service and sound advice. And if your trusty vehicle has been loved for over 75,000 miles, talk to your technician about the benefits of high mileage oil too. This type of oil can help restore seals, prevent leaks, and enhance your overall engine performance. Schedule your appointment online or stop by your neighborhood Tires Plus today.
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FOUNDED IN 1993
China SBT Oil Seal is an international company integrating design, research and development, production and processing.
No. 68, Hua'an Street, Renze District, Xingtai City, Hebei Province, China
+86 188 0309 4557
Won many honorary certificates through a number of patented inventions
