Happy New Year everyone !

I've been sorting my pile of spares from junkyard trips and finally giving my cat some TLC with new - new, as well as "new" old parts. While pulling the wiper arms for repainting and adjustment I discovered the un-obtainium "hat" seals are petrified after 35 years ( the ones below the arms ). Does anyone have a source for new ones or know the measurements for the engine valve guide seals ( BC3531 , used in the XK and V12 ) which look like they just might fit ? The old seals measure aprox 3/8 high with the small top shaft hole 3/8 and the bottom 9/16 inside. If the valve seals are slightly smaller they should work better and fit snugly, otherwise ti's back to being "creative" in sourcing parts !

Thanks !
Brian

 

Hi everyone,
After a good bit of researching valve guide seals trying to find companies that publish dimensions for their products then having to cross those #'s back to what's available locally ( complete PITA ), finally SUCCESS !!!
I'm attaching pictures of the old cracking and about to self destruct original seals along with the new replacements I made from valve stem seals. I had to put them on a dowel and trim the skirt with a razor blade aprox 1/16" to reduce the height. I think they actually look and work better than the originals.

Hope someone finds this useful.

The Jag must like the upgrade, while testing the remote mirrors ( one out of two working ) and getting ready to open up all the doors for seal replacement / motor / latch / lock servicing, I tried the HVAC again. It's a miracle, the system works now for the first time since getting the car ! Gotta love it when the car fixes itself ! As long as the dash doesn't start glowing red and playing 50's music by itself ( ala "Christine" - for the young-ins here ! )

Cheers !
Brian




Original seal

New seal, no arm yet

Complete with repainted cap and wiper arm

New seal, trimmed for height, old seals

 

Another great show-n-tell. Thanks.

Dave

 

Great! make me two and send me PM with total in USD. Thanks.

 

Nice work. I went around this loop recently and ended up buying the kit of pieces for the wiper arms which includes the boots (makes for very expensive boots)

It will be interesting to see if the valve stem rubber stands up to UV OK. I adapted / made rubber bits of my old Morris, but wasnt thinking that way with the Jag. Will give this a go if I ever do another replacement. Thanks for sharing.

 

Looks great. Those visible hex nuts looked unfinished so this functional and a great look too. Well done!

 

Thanks for the complements ! If they do break down due to the UV, they are cheap enough to just replace as needed. I bought these from Advance Auto for around $10 for set of 8 = Felpro SS 13955 . I think they will last since they are one of the "newer" rubber compounds even thought they are made for internal engine use ( think it's polyacrylate ).

Cheers,
Brian