re-use valve stem seal?

[rippledub]

I'm rebuilding my head, popped 2 of my NEW valve stem seals on the guides . . . then realized the spring seat would not fit over it, (needed to put the spring seat on first). So I carefully pulled the seals off with needlenose and was able to get them off with out deforming them. There is a very thin and fragile flap of rubber which rests in the groove on the outer surface of the guide, and there is one point on both seals which a hair sized piece of the flap has separated. But overall the flaps do not appear deformed.

Do I need to order 2 more seals and wait, or would these still be ok to use?

Has anyone ever had to pull a new seal and still used them?

[Agemax]

they should be ok to use as long as you are positive there is no damage

[rippledub]

well, like i said, the flap on the seal which rests in the outer groove of the guide does have a spot on it where a small bit of the rubber tore from the edge (hair width). Maybe I can get a pic . . . I'll try.

The local dealer service tech said there was a good chance I could pop em back on and they would be fine, but then asked me if I wanted to risk having to dig this deep back into the head if they did fail. That would suck.

I'm gonna go see if I can get a pic which shows the issue.

[DimitriT]

Throw em out and get new ones. The last thing you want is one loose in there.

[Crazy_Russian]

I'm with Dimitriy here, id rather be safe then sorry, and most of the time, youll have it by the weekend if you order on monday

[rippledub]

Yea, I found a few locally, but I can't get em until tues, and then I won't be able to get back to the bike for a bit. I knew the right call is to not risk it . . . I was just a bit frustrated and entertained the delusion someone might say "no problem, pop em back in". It's cool though, I have some other work to do on the bike in the meantime. Just getting anxious to get her on the road! I only got to put a few hundred miles on the bike after I bought it, so I am chomping at the bit!

Thanks for confirming my thoughts.

[Crazy_Russian]

i know the feeling man i got my bike all back together last monday just to find out my clutch was dragging. now getting it fixed this weekend :-S

[chuck hahn]

I have never un derstood why anyone would want to reuse such a cheap part when the engine is alreadt open. I mean for 20 bucks its all new and no worries.

I will also never understand why anyone, in good conscience, would recommend doing so.