Valve stem seals: original or aftermarket?

Hi all,

In a week or two I'll finally have the time to finish the overhaul of the head of the KZ1000P. Because original Kaw valve stem seals are ridiculously expensive (some 8 euro / 10.30 USD each) I'm thinking of using aftermarket seals. A search yielded no results, so: does anybody have any experience with this? I do not want to have to redo this because I cheapened out.

Thanks!

K&L valve stem seals...purchased through www.Z1enterprises.com

Post edited by: Mcdroid, at: 2007/02/05 10:08

I think Z1 and APE would probably ship to Europe, and I think they would probably be cheaper even after shipping.

$18.95 plus shipping at APE

Post edited by: steell, at: 2007/02/05 09:56

This one's going to piss off someone but I call them as I see them.

The aftermarket seals are NOT the quality of the OEM seals. I use them myself but that doesn't change the facts.

I've noticed the aftermarket seals are not nearly as pliable and when they are pushed down on the guide, the hole for the valve stem tends to deform. I play around with them until they look round again.

JMO

Larry C

larrycavan wrote:

This one's going to piss off someone but I call them as I see them.

The aftermarket seals are NOT the quality of the OEM seals. I use them myself but that doesn't change the facts.

I've noticed the aftermarket seals are not nearly as pliable and when they are pushed down on the guide, the hole for the valve stem tends to deform. I play around with them until they look round again.

JMO

Larry C

I have read the same thing elsewhere, so I doubt that you'll upset anyone.

I do wonder which ones last the longest though.

larrycavan wrote:

This one's going to piss off someone but I call them as I see them.

The aftermarket seals are NOT the quality of the OEM seals. I use them myself but that doesn't change the facts.

JMO

Larry C

It may be an opinion, but it is from your personal experience, so it is good to know. I asked for opinions, and that's what I got. I had already heard it somewhere once, which is why I asked. Then again, a lot of people say aftermarket gasket kits are no good either, which I do not believe.

I think I'll go with APE. They are a reputable company, and as they are adamant their seals are very good, I'll take their word for it. It's still cheaper than original Kaw.

Next question: best ways to install these seals. Any advice?

Jeroen

I put a little oil on them and push them on with my finger.

Zthou1977 wrote:

larrycavan wrote:

This one's going to piss off someone but I call them as I see them.

The aftermarket seals are NOT the quality of the OEM seals. I use them myself but that doesn't change the facts.

JMO

Larry C

It may be an opinion, but it is from your personal experience, so it is good to know. I asked for opinions, and that's what I got. I had already heard it somewhere once, which is why I asked. Then again, a lot of people say aftermarket gasket kits are no good either, which I do not believe.

I think I'll go with APE. They are a reputable company, and as they are adamant their seals are very good, I'll take their word for it. It's still cheaper than original Kaw.

Next question: best ways to install these seals. Any advice?

Jeroen

I have used non OEM without any hassle since installed.

However I had major problems installing them and this was not due to inexperience but to (too!) big fingers!

The best technique I believe is to install the valves and slide the seal down over the valve stem using it as a guide. The only trick then is to ease the lip of the seal over the guide which frankly due to clearance problems was not easy to due to the size of the tunnel relative to my fingers.

My wife has much smaller fingers than mine and found it easier to push the seals over the guides. As an alternative it might be possible to hook out the lip of the seal with a smooth curved implement as pressure is applied from the top. Having B*****ed some of these on my first installation attempt I suggest you buy a few spares.

A friend of mine (a tech at Felpro) once told me you want to use seals made with Viton rubber. Viton is a trademark for a Dupont elastomer. Supposedly it's the best material for valve seals, but costs more.

I don't know from experience, just wondering if anyone else had an opinion on Viton or knows of a maker that uses Viton for KZ seals.

Here is how we install the seals without the little spring popping off. Take an old valve and cut the head off so you just have the stem. Now find something that will clear the spring and contact the top of the seal. We use a valve guide, small wrist pin, etc. You can probably use a small socket with an extension on it.

Put the valve stem into the seal. This spreads the top out which prevents the spring from coming off. Stick it down into the guide. this lines it up perfectly. Then using the socket or whatever, push down on the seal until it pops into place on the guide. Remove the valve stem. Repeat.

Jay

Ever try KY jelly?Ive heard you can put things on in tight places with that stuff.Even in the dark.:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: