Patent ID: 6516769
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: F01L

Abstract:
A valve stem seal assembly adapted for installation atop of a valve guide of an internal combustion engine for sealingly engaging a valve stem reciprocally movable through the guide, the seal assembly comprising a resilient annular seal body defining an upper bulbous ring having an interior annular sealing lip adapted to engage the valve stem, said seal body also defining an exterior annular groove; said valve stem seal assembly further comprising a seal body retainer defining a generally rigid cylindrical body and having an axis, said retainer having a circumferentially extending annular flange at its lower body end, said retainer having a plurality of fingers at its upper body end, each of said fingers belonging to one of two distinct sets of fingers thereof, wherein the first set comprises radially inwardly depending fingers for engaging said exterior annular groove of said seal body to maintain said seal body axially against the top surface of the valve guide, and wherein the second set comprises axially extending reversely bent fingers having arcuate ends that collectively engage the circumferential exterior surface of said bulbous ring of the seal body to impart a circumferential hoop force to said sealing lip for urging same against said reciprocally movable valve stem.