2T/3T Head: new valve stem seals leaking oil

[brucey]

I took my 2T/3T head off due to a head gasket issue and I noticed oil on the back of the intake valves:

4th cylinder:



3rd cylinder:



The other cylinders are similar to the 3rd cylinder. Head is newly reconditioned and has only had an hours running time. The spark plugs are clean looking and doesn't look like the engine is burning oil. Was using Penrite oil, Premium 5 5W-60 Full Synthetic. Can't tell with the exhaust valves, just carbon deposits from the exhaust gases. Probably just burn off from the heat.

Is it normal or is of concern? I suppose a little bit is expected with oil lubricating the valve stem to help reduce friction.

I did take the seals off after they were install to do some additional porting on the intake side. Not sure if they could be damaged from just pulling them off.

[Silly Rabbit]

Are you sure you are using the right oil in that engine.

The Penrite website lists your oil for suiting -
"...Premium 5 is for use in high performance modern engines for both on road and in competition applications. It is suitable for use in modern 4, 6 & 8+ cylinder, multi cam, multi-valve including VVT, naturally aspirated, supercharged & turbocharged engines,"

As the old T series engines are now 30+ years old I run just general Penrite HPR30 in mine and that works fine. Seems like your oil is more suited to modern engines so may be something to look at.

[brucey]

Are you sure you are using the right oil in that engine.

The Penrite website lists your oil for suiting -
"...Premium 5 is for use in high performance modern engines for both on road and in competition applications. It is suitable for use in modern 4, 6 & 8+ cylinder, multi cam, multi-valve including VVT, naturally aspirated, supercharged & turbocharged engines,"

As the old T series engines are now 30+ years old I run just general Penrite HPR30 in mine and that works fine. Seems like your oil is more suited to modern engines so may be something to look at.

I thought the oil seemed a bit thin. I did notice the engine did leak oil more out the rear main seal. I got the oil on special and thought the 60 part was thick enough, but looks like 5W part is too thin, so that's important to consider. Previously I used Castrol GTX Engine Oil - 20W-50 and the 3T hardly used any oil.

I just bought Penrite HPR 30 (20W-60) Mineral from Repco, which is 30% off at the moment, so hopefully that won't leak.

[stidnam]

If head is newly reco then it shouldn't matter what oil you use. The stem seal should not leak like that. A thicker oil is masking the symptom

[brucey]

Yeah I was wondering how the valve stem seals on modern engines can keep out the thinner oil. Maybe they are designed to tighter tolerances and better drainage of oil on top of the head, not sure, the seals look pretty similar. The seals installed are from a Permaseal valve set. Not sure if the oil enters between the valve stem and seal, or between the valve guide and seal.



I did remove them after they were installed to do some porting. Can't see how they could be damaged from removing them; not the part that hugs the valve stem with the wire anyway, maybe the part that clicks onto the valve guide?

I wonder if it's worth getting viton valve stem seals?