Any tips for trying to remove old valve stem seals from a 500 head

[Laverdaton]

I've tried to pull the old valve stem seals of the valve guides but only succeed in pulling the 'heads' of the seals.
Any tips on how to get the skirts of.........no one-line jokes please.... 

andy

 

[Grant]

Bottle of wine.
Nice meal.
Back for a 'coffee'.

 

[sfcpiet]

Andy,

CAREFULLY insert a tiny, sturdy screwdriver between guide and steel reinforcing band and wiggle it a bit.  With a bit of luck, the remains of the seal will pop off.

Alternatively, grind an old small screwdriver blade to a chisel-like tip and carefully strike through the reinforcemnt.

Have needed to do this numerous times as the rubber usually disintegrates as soon as it is gripped by the seal-puller pliers.

piet

 

[Laverdaton]

Thanks Piet,
When the head pulled the first seal I tried, I then tried to warm up the seal with hot water and used my fingers to gently pull it off - but no good - I thought about using the small jewellers screwdriver to open up the seal and this appears to be the way, I try again....

 

[Laverdaton]

Did it..and no damage caused. Thanks Piet.
Any tips for installing the new seals?...........

 

[sfcpiet]

Make yourself a mandrel in which the new seal sits snugly, a couple of gentle taps has it back in place, easy peasy...

Ideally, the mandrel will have a guide rod that fits into the guide, also prevents the seal from falling out.

piet