aidandj

iTrader: (5)

Lol yeah. We're all ripping seals. Uh huh.

I installed mine without the valves even in the head. Then I oil the valve and carefully slid it in.

I'm sure on @EO2K's professionally built head they ripped every single exhaust seal perfectly.

See above for his "ripped" seals.

concealer404

iTrader: (3)

This just in: Everyone installs Supertech valve seals incorrectly. Everyone installs OEM seals correctly.

Savington

iTrader: (31)

We use ST seals, they're installed when the heads are rebuilt at our machine shop, I have not noticed any problems or had any motor customers complain about this (although "no complaints" doesn't mean "no issues"). I personally have not noticed any problems on the two built motors in my own cars, though.

If there are customers out there with my engines who have had issues, I want to hear about it.

bahurd

iTrader: (8)

I didn't at first but just did. Maybe he'll join in. Good to hear from a vendor ^ though.

EO2K

iTrader: (37)

This is why we love you, thank you Andrew

konmo

iTrader: (2)

No problem man! Thought it might save some time for people searching for these. I think I am going to try a set of those as well, I kinda don't want to spend $120 on valve seals.

I ended up taking my cylinder head and block to Rob's Auto Machine in Hayward, CA. It was recommended to me by a fellow miata enthusiasts in Los Gatos. I also read some good reviews about them in many other forums. Rob Jr. even told me that they do/have done work for TSE, so if that's true, I would guess that the shop does pretty good work. I haven't picked up my block or head yet, but will be getting them this week I believe.

Where are you located? I'm in Salinas, CA. I'll most likely take you up on your offer to lend the valve train disassembly tools. I don't feel like leaving the Supertech seals in then making a mess and having to swap them out in the future anyways.

EO2K

iTrader: (37)

Agreed. $120 seems ludicrous for a set of seals. I guess if its the ONLY thing that works, then its the ONLY thing that works. But I'm not convinced of that just yet. We'll see how the 949 ones go.

Also Salinas. There are a couple local guys here on the forum, but I'm not sure either are super active. Drop me a PM when you are ready and we'll figure something out. I've got a valve spring compressor set and a set of seal pliers, plus an in/lb torque wrench for the cam caps if you need one.

I'm going to look around and see if some sort of magical install tool exists, but I doubt it. Every time I look it up, generic install recommendation seems to be to just use a small socket of piece of tube.

EO2K

iTrader: (37)

Out of curiosity, how is everyone installing these things?

bahurd

iTrader: (8)

I use a plastic straw.... Just big enough to fit over the valve stem.

1. Cut a piece of medium plastic straw about 1" and insert the straw through the seal (about 6mm ID).
2. Insert valve stem through guide
3. Slips straw/seal over valve stem
4. Pull straw out
5. Use deep socket (forget Dia... 12mm?) to push seal over guide OD until it "clicks". Don't push more.

As you'd expect on this site... lube it well.

Repeat....

Sounds stupid but the straw keeps a the seal from catching on the edge of the stem and prevents any tearing. Or so it seems....

I've not done ST seals until this engine but in previous engines I've not had any issues. My method and I'm sticking with it...

patsmx5

iTrader: (16)

I just put some oil or grease on the seal and valve stem, carefully slip them over the valve stem, slide them onto the guide, and use a socket/hammer to tap them onto the guide all the way.

patsmx5

iTrader: (16)

If they are right, then I broke all 16 seals they sold me, both times. And to the same degree of tearing, as they all dumped oil the same.

bahurd

iTrader: (8)

Don't shoot the messenger...

What did you expect them to say? We sell inferior seals that we source from Vietnam because why not??

patsmx5

iTrader: (16)

Oh I understand, no shot at you. I think it's funny when a product sucks, and the company blames the user. If their seals really are so sensitive to installation then they should include instructions stating that.

ByteVenom

I was going to pull my cams and then use this (Lisle Tools 36200 Valve Keeper Remover and Installer | eBay) tool.

ridethecliche

iTrader: (2)

They're like the opposite of an MSM diff!

willeywilson

Has anyone bought from a different brand as of yet with success?

Here in the UK, the Mazda dealer wants £162 for the full set of 16 valves, which is approximately $209!!!!

I am slightly nervous that Ford, or GM for example, may have had a 'cost down exercise' and changed supplier of their valves. So even though they measure the same on paper, they aren't genuine Mazda parts - which may be the difference.

Also, could someone please confirm that KL0110155 & KL0210155 are the correct part numbers for my '99 NB 1.8?

Whilst I'm here - double springs? I assume this is so you guys can have higher rev limiters? I am happy with a 7k limit so assume no benefit?

Thanks

Wilson

concealer404

iTrader: (3)

If you guys want to go down the cross-reference rabbit hole, i can tell you that from the part numbers given here, that 2.7 litre Suzuki V6s very likely use the same dimensions.

konmo

iTrader: (2)

The machinist who is working on my cylinder head told me that it is done. However, I provided Supertech valve seals to him. I just ordered a set of the 949 seals, looks like I'll be disassembling the head to swap these in instead. @emilio700, I noticed you used to sell the Supertech valve seals on your site, but you no longer do. What is your experience with the Supertech seals? Did you have any leak on you and that's why you no longer sell those?

Lawone

Possible different batches are slightly different sizes hence some people have a problem and some don't.

Here in the UK. 4 people running over 300whp had the problem along with one running over 400whp that I know of. This doesn't include myself.

When I removed them. They were generally bigger than the OEM. and this was less than 2000 miles. So it's possible they expanded slightly but not that much. All 16 were showing signs of leaking (This was also with running the correct inlet and exhaust seals)

Installing them wrong? I struggle to see how you would as it's quite an easy install. Just be sensible and gentle.


Even if It's down to different batches. It's a risk I wouldn't advise taking.

I had to install the OEM while the engine was in the car with the air compressor trick. A bitch of a job. But It solved my problem.

EO2K

iTrader: (37)

Or just look up replacements for the Miata on RockAuto. The vehicle cross reference application list is SUPER long.

I'm not saying they will fit or they are any good, but it is an extensive list.