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TR2/3/3A Bronze Valve Guides and Seals: To Seal or Not?

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Tropical TR

Jedi Hopeful
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As part of my TR3A engine/head rebuild, I have had bronze valve guides installed. Yes, I read a lot of the threads about bronze guides and the seals. Most seem to prefer the original cast iron guides and no seals. After reading all of the information, perhaps I would have stayed with cast iron as well, but unfortunately the bronze guides were already installed by that time (with 5/16 exhaust valves, double springs and hardened seats).

Positive reinforcement from other bronze guide users would ease my conscience!

I do understand about the additional clearance required to prevent valve seizure and so does my machine shop guy who has a lot of experience with the bronze guides. However, am very interested in knowing opinions about whether or not to use seals with the bronze guides. The machine shop likes them and generally installs them on their numerous TR3/4 rebuilds, but they did ask me if I want them. After reading opinions out there, I would not use them with the cast iron and would keep it original. However, is there more benefit to the seals with bronze guides and the additional gap required for expansion, at least during warm up?

Regards,

Walter
 
Walter,
I regularly use the bronze guides without valve seals. Never had any problem at all. Good luck. Pat
 
I'm running bronze guides with seals on two engines. No problems at all. My machine shop was aware of the clearance issue and recommended the seals too. I think you'll be fine.
 
They normally don't pump a lot of oil up top so I wouldn't think a seal were necessary but if they can be fitted it won't hurt.
 
I'm running bronze guides with appropriate clearance and no seals. Everything is fine. Like Brinkerhoff mentioned, there's not a lot of oil flying around up there.
 
Thanks, gentlemen. It looks like I can go either way. Appreciate your experiences. May I ask roughly how many miles you have put on the engines since installing the bronze guides?

Regards,

Walter
 
About 10K on my main car, about 10 ft on the other one as the car isn't done yet!
 
I've got about 4K miles on mine since the restoration.
 
Thanks again, gentlemen, for your help.

Regards,

Walter
 
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