[TR] Valve Seals

[Brian Harlan]

Hello everyone,

This is my first posting to this list. Just a little introduction of myself:
My name is Brian Harlan, live in Munfordville (south-central Kentucky), 
I bought a 68 Spit Mk 3 last fall to restore, I have also acquired a 70 
Spit Mk3 parts car. Currently, I am rebuilding the engine of the 68 (FE 
series). Here's my question:

What's the deal with seals on the valve stems? The head off of the 68 
had no seals. The head off of the 70 doesn't either. Neither my Haynes, 
nor my Bentley shop manuals mention them, but VB lists them with their 
valve train rebuild listings. I ordered a set along with the valves, 
valve guides, springs, etc., but now that I am at the point of 
re-assembling the head, I am questioning the need for them. They are 
basically rubber O-rings, but there is no groove on the valve stem to 
hold them. Anybody have a suggestion to use them or not. Were they 
original on the FE series engines? Were they a later addition? Anybody 
have experience with this type, if so, what do you recommend?

Thanks for any help provided,
Brian