Ford Repair: Changing valve stem seals, valve stem seals, old inlet

Question
Hi Ken.
I was wondering perhaps you could help me with a problem I've encounterd.
I'm overhauling my MK1 1979 957cc Fiesta by myself. It has an OHV Valencia engine.
I've rebored the engine, cleaned, repainted, and bought all the necessary parts, and I am preparing to assemble all the parts together.
I've noticed that the gaskets that go on the valve stems (stem seals?) don't fit tight on their seats on the head. I've saved the old (very worn) gaskets for comparison. The new gaskets (eight) are all the same, and also the same as the old inlet (I think its the inlet...) valve stem seals (four old inlet stem seals). The other four exhost stem seals are smaller and fit tight on their head seats. All this means that with the new seals, when the valve goes down and up, the seal will go up with it and stay at that position as it is tighter on the stem than on the head seat.
My question is, is this normal? (the older inlet stem seals apparently were designed that way...) If so, what is the purpose of the stem seals if they dont seal the actual passage of oil to the stem, or is this the way the engine lubricates the stems? (so why put seals in the first place?)
Thanks for your response.
Danny.

Answer
Danny,

To put it simplely, you are correct, it is to lubricate the seals. The reason for the seals is because you only receive oil on the intake. I hope that this helps and if you need further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me again. Good luck.


Ken