Self-centering seal and method of using same

A method for forming a seal interface between a collector and a valve of a gas turbine engine, the method comprising:

• providing the collector;
• providing a seal comprising:
• a seal body mounted to the collector at a second axial end of the seal body, the seal body disposed about a seal axis and comprising an interior surface defining a seal gland circumferentially extending about the seal axis;
• a packing disposed within the seal gland;
• a retaining ring in communication with a second radial side of the packing and disposed within the seal gland;
• and
• a plurality of exciter springs mounted to a second radial side of the retaining ring and circumferentially spaced about the retaining ring, the plurality of exciter springs biased against the interior surface of the seal body and configured to center the packing within the seal body;
• and
• forming a seal interface between the collector and the valve by inserting the valve into the seal such that the packing forms the seal interface between the packing and the valve,
• wherein the seal body forms a portion of a passage extending through the seal body, the collector, and the valve.