I've got some oil burning issues that I've narrowed down to either valve stem seals, or turbo seals. A this point I'm leaning towards the valve stem seals and going to start with replacing them. My question is, what brand should I be using? I try to stick with OEM parts as much as possible, but the only OEM seals I can find are $9 each.. 20 of those really adds up just for valve seals, especially when all of the other brands are around a dollar or 2 each (plus the sealer and compressor tool). I checked with my local Oreillys, and they are able to get me a set of 20 seals for $30. They are Felpro brand. I've had good luck with Felpro seals and gaskets in the past, but never used them for valve seals. Has anyone used the Felpro seals with any luck? I know some aftermarket stem seals are junk, but wasn't sure if I should be staying away from these felpros. Or is this one of those things where I should just stick with OEM and deal with it?

 

Considering the effort to put in valve seals, I'd go with OEM or quality replacements. Check out TASCAPARTS.COM for the best prices I've seen online for OEM. I also like FCPEURO and EEUROPARTS ( both are Volvo specialists) for high quality after market brands - but I tend to stay away from their cheapest option. Felpro is a old brand but my experience is that worn valve seals usually go with some guide wear... As to the oil burning question, the old school test for worn valve seals was a puff of smoke on a down shift (causing the engine to suck oil through the seals) or at start up. Old BMW 2002s were famous for this due to valve seals (I owned 3 of 'em). Have you done a compression test to make sure the rings are tight? Curious why you'd rule out the turbo seals as a first choice...