Valve stem oil seal removal and re-fitting.

[RobinJI]

Hey guys, first post on here:

I'm in the middle of re-building a head for my scirocco, its a head off a late 1600 mk1 golf GTI, so mechanical lifter and recessed combustion chambers.

I'm kinda stuck on the valve stem oil seals. Haynes helpfully just say "Pulling off the old seal in simple with pliers" My problem is, they clearly live in pixy land, because pliers wont touch them, all you can get in the pliers is the rubber part, which simply pulls away from the metal part. You can get a fairly good grip on the metal part, but not enough to pull them off, they really are stuck on there.

Anyone got any suggestions? I've seen a few pictures of valve stem seal removal tools but can't seem to find one anywhere. Any other tricks to it?

Also any tips for re-fitting?

[lenny125]

I always find that if you turn them at the same time you pull them they should come off. If you got a pair of long nose pilers with a curve in them that should do. If that fails use a hook with a handle on they are normaly in a kit what is called a lock and seal pick kit I think or something like that. With the hook just work round the seal while pulling up so you try and pull the seal up evenly.

I hope this helps
Glenn

[Rusty dan]

i put one nose on the outside and one on the inside of the seal and pulled!

[roccodave]

just pulled mine off with long nose pliers realy easily then refitted by tapping them down with a deep socket on a extension bar
just be carefull not to damage the valve guide while you are pulling at the stem seal