Originally Posted by MSGGrunt

I have read that the valve stem seals on the OM617 can be replaced without removing the head, no problem... But how? I have read it can be done by just removing the valve springs and old seals without removing the camshaft following the below method, but I don't see how this works. The camshaft is in the way. Too close to the top of the valve stem to allow sliding the protective sleeve on over the threads of the stem, placing seal, washer and socket between the camshaft and socket.

What am I not getting? Who has done this without removing the camshaft and what is the secret.

1. Put a protective sleeve on the valve stem threads (not enough room between cam and top of valve stem for this to work)

2. Oil up the seal

3. Place seal onto valve stem

4. Place washer onto seal

5. Place a socket on top of the washer (again, I don't see that there is enough room to do this)

6. Pry down on the socket with a protectively wrapped lever to slowly push the seal down onto the valve stem.