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#1 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hillsboro Oregon
Posts: 6,449
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Valve Spring Removal with Heads in Place?
I picked up a few parts to do a little "bolt-on" improvement to my 396. I got a cam, intake, carb, springs, lifters, pushrods, timing set, and water pump.
The problem I'm running into is changing the springs with the heads in place. I planned to use the air-compressor connected to the sparkplug port to hold the valves up, and a lever-bar from the rocker studs to "pop" the retainers/inserts loose. Well, the valves just open when I apply pressure with the bar. I think I'm running about 90 psi on the compressor, so I'll try more pressure, but if that doesn't work, I think I'm stuck. I did'nt want to remove the heads, but I suppose I could. The question is; are there any other ways to change the springs with the heads in place? And/or should I just remove the heads to do it or simply use the old springs? |
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#2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SUNNY WARM BIKE RIDING COTTONWOOD ARIZONA
Posts: 2,097
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Re: Valve Spring Removal with Heads in Place?
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#3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Southern Pines NC
Posts: 3,853
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Re: Valve Spring Removal with Heads in Place?
Take a brass hammer and lightly hit the the top side of the valve springs. Sometimes the keepers will stick to the valve spring retainers. The 2 small parts that fit around the top of the valve stem holding down the flat circle part that fir on top of the springs. Tap it a few times and usually it will be enough to loosen their grip. Then procede as you were.
Worse comes to worse push rope into the cylinder then rotate the engine slowly to take up slack. That will also hold the valves and keep them from dropping |
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#4 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Re: Valve Spring Removal with Heads in Place?
I've seen ppl remove the plug, and insert a long rope in the cylinder (leaving one end hanging out) and then turn the engine to where the rope is compressed against the valves.
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#5 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: MISSOURI
Posts: 3,256
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This works real well , used it a few times........
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The biggest problem people have, is other people Thou shalt be cool and not hassle ![]() Be a site supporter. ![]() The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool inclines to the left." Ecclesiastes 10:2 |
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#6 |
State of Confusion!
![]() ![]() Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Gulfport, MS USA
Posts: 46,845
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Re: Valve Spring Removal with Heads in Place?
Ditto.
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Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! |
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#7 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hillsboro Oregon
Posts: 6,449
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Re: Valve Spring Removal with Heads in Place?
Cool, thanks guys. I'll give it a shot and report back...
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#8 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: New-Brunswick
Posts: 22
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Re: Valve Spring Removal with Heads in Place?
Ditto2
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#9 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hillsboro Oregon
Posts: 6,449
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Re: Valve Spring Removal with Heads in Place?
Alright, here's what I ended up doing:
I have the whole pass side done. Eight more to go... Thanks again guys. I bet the rope deal works just as well or even better for a really stubborn keeper/retainer. |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Fort Walton Beach, FL
Posts: 257
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Re: Valve Spring Removal with Heads in Place?
If they arent real stubborn you can use the TDC method as well. Rotate the motor until the piston is up, change one cylinder then move to the other TDC cylinder. Careful not to bend your valves
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68 lwb to swb Cummins swap in the works. I promise it will be cool someday. |
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