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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Likely Need Valve Stem Seals, what Else?
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Message started by Axman88 on 07/09/26 at 09:12:38

Title: Likely Need Valve Stem Seals, what Else?
Post by Axman88 on 07/09/26 at 09:12:38

I noticed my '05 S40 started to release a cloud of oil smoke when first starting. Although total miles on machine are less than 6k, the bike spent a LOT of time sitting during the previous owner's period ownership. According to the title records, he put on less than 100 miles over 10 years.

I'm fairly well convinced that I'll find one or more cracked valve stem seals when I open up the engine. These are inexpensive, so I think I'll go ahead and get a set purchased and on their way. Should I insist on OEM, or are the aftermarket (Blue or Black) ones equal or better? Is crusty NOS OK, or the fresher the better?
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/7cMAAeSwODZppduQ/s-l1600.webp

Blue aftermarket, Viton? https://www.ebay.com/itm/311630316867
Black aftermarket? https://www.ebay.com/itm/394153669799

I see from the forum, that the Cam Chain tensioner is something I should check while I am poking around in there.

What else should be on my short list to inspect / test / replace?

Thanks for your suggestions, I find the Search function here to be notably difficult to use.

Title: Re: Likely Need Valve Stem Seals, what Else?
Post by splash07 on 07/09/26 at 10:40:54

I don't know about the seals but if you are checking the cam chain you might as well change out the tensioner for a versy tensioner, if they are still available.

Title: Re: Likely Need Valve Stem Seals, what Else?
Post by Dave on 07/09/26 at 11:36:12

Check your oil level.

Does your bike still have the stock vacuum operated petcock?

Title: Re: Likely Need Valve Stem Seals, what Else?
Post by DragBikeMike on 07/09/26 at 19:11:48

Dave's advice on oil level is spot on. Make sure your crankcase isn't full of gasoline. Same goes for splash07's comment on the CCT. That item will finish off your engine in short order.

I have had some of the aftermarket stem seals tear when I installed them. I have also had some good results from the aftermarket items. I am always fiddling around with different engine configurations, so I change seals frequently. If you already have a set of seals in hand, inspect them and if they look good give them a whirl. If you don't already have a set in hand, I would use OEM.

If you plan on popping the head off to change the guide seals, I suggest you use an OEM head gasket, in which case you might as well get a set of OEM guide seals. Use a new OEM head plug or get one of the specialty head plugs that Verslagen manufactures. The head plugs are a problem, don't cut corners there.