OM 603 Valve Stem Seal Kit
 

I replaced the valve stem seals while I had the head off of my '91 350SD. There are plastic sleeves included in the seal kit. What are the sleeves for?

Greg

I think those are used to prevent damage to the new intake valve stem seal while installing the seal .

The sleeves go over the top of the Valve Stem and as stated protect the inside lips of the Seals during installation.
What may be confusing is that they do not give you 1 for each seal. The idea is to re-use the sleeve until it looks like it will not work and replace it with another sleeve. They just give you a few extra sleeves.

Thanks for the input. I don't think I did any damage to the seals installing without the sleeves.