Re: Umbrella seals

[John Hofstetter <hofs@domain.elided>]

>John:
>
>I've had the ubmrella-style seals on my current motor for over 5 years now.
> Had em on the motor I built for my 1980 Traveler as well.  Didn't notice
>any "quick death".  Nor did I have the customary smoke at startup.
>
>I realize my rig isn't a daily driver;  but it gets driven quite HARD on
>occasion.
>
>Bill Thebert

Sounds as if they are doing just what you put them on there for, Bill. 
Hmmm, I didn't know you ever drove it hard (grin). Sounds as if you'd 
recommend them. How many miles have you put on your motor since you put 
the umbrella seals on? I would visualize that they would be less likely 
to block too much oil from getting to the stems in off-road use than in 
freeway driving. I suspect you have heard the stories about excessive 
stem wear from the use of the umbrella seals just as I have.

I'm not sure what bad experiences in his many motor tear downs prompted 
son, John, to indicate that he thought that the umbrella seals would be 
counter-productive with IH V-8's but I know for sure that that is what he 
said and meant.  

Unlike you, I had no personal current knowledge of the use of umbrella 
seals since I used to put them on GM engines that sucked oil to the 
extreme.

Good to hear from you. I envied Tom M. his opportunity to wheel with you 
in Colorado. Wish I had been there. 

Regards,
John H.