Have any fellow MMDers changed the Lester action outside valve facings
from its present design (two force-fit collars and leather valve face)
to a Standard action design with one force-fit collar and valve face
consisting of sponge neoprene on a hard backing washer?

As far as I can tell by making these changes it would make the valve
travel adjustments much easier and also would allow for more positive
sealing than I have experienced with the present Lester design.  I have
tested the "new design" and it seems to work without leaking and has
adequate valve action speed and I was just wondering if anyone has any
experience with this and why it should or should not be done.

I have totally redone two Lester actions, one Standard action and one
Duo-Art action.  My experience has been that the Standard has far fewer
problems with leakage and valve travel adjustments are much easier.

Randy Blake