Valve stem seal assembly with locator system

Abstract

A valve stem seal component overcomes potential orientation misplacement, particularly in cases where no valve stem seal is to be used on an adjacent valve. The component includes an integral locator feature for assuring proper installation atop a valve guide of an internal combustion engine. A plurality of such seal components are employed per engine, each component designed for insertion over at least the intake valve guide of each cylinder. Each component includes a valve stem seal module adapted to be installed over the intake valve guide. A locator is attached to the module via a radial connection portion that extends between the module and locator. The radial connection portion includes an arcuate edge that fits in only one orientation against a curvilinear edge of a boss on the cylinder head. In one described embodiment, the locator is a circular ring adapted to be installed over an exhaust guide.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.