Change Valve Springs With Engine Assembled

[GlennSullivan]

I was planning on rebuilding the engine in my Red car this winter but other things (business) kept me from having the time to do it. Rather than take it apart in March and lose the use of the car during "the season" I was thinking about just replacing the valve springs and seals and run it another season.

Has anyone changed their Springs and seals while the heads were on the engine, if so what tool (Moroso, SK, Etc) and method (Comp Air / TDC) did you use and how easy or difficult did you find the process?

[lil_instgator]

i changed mine a couple years back it was very easy. I used comp air and a very old valve spring tool that was my grandpa's it was a very simple process.

[outlawstang]

i changed mine a couple years back it was very easy. I used comp air and a very old valve spring tool that was my grandpa's it was a very simple process.


I did mine also. Compressed air, a good spring tool, it's not that hard just take your time.

[frdfandc]

I would use compressed air along with this style of valve spring compressor ..........

http://www.mytoolstore.com/kd/3271.gif

[GlennSullivan]

Darin
Why are you recommending the screw type spring compressor over the lever type?

Everyone:
How much pressure should I use on the compressed air. I see some warnings about spinning the engine over

[frdfandc]

The screw type is a little bit easier to use than the lever type. I've used both and I prefer the screw type. Because once you have the spring pressed down, it stays down without you having to keep pushing down like the lever type.

I'd try no more than 70 psi. You just need enough to keep the valves in place when the springs are removed. If your air compressor has an adjustable pressure regulator, then you can change the psi as needed.

[Stephen]

The tool Darin posted is easy to use. Another trick is to use rope if you dont have air to use.

Also this is another good tool and easy to use

http://www.jegs.com/images/photos/55580521.jpg

[rel3rd]

Darin
Why are you recommending the screw type spring compressor over the lever type?

Everyone:
How much pressure should I use on the compressed air. I see some warnings about spinning the engine over

Hello Mr. Sullivan...
Do not worry about the engine turning over...it has to.
As you go from cylinder to cylinder it will have to rotate so that both valves can be closed on that particular cylinder. With the air pressure going into that spark plug hole it will only rotate it enough to let both valves close.

Hope this helps...

[GlennSullivan]

Thanks everyone!

[Blown357]

All the rockers have to come off anyway, so why not take the rockers off first and not have to roll the motor over?

[rel3rd]

All the rockers have to come off anyway, so why not take the rockers off first and not have to roll the motor over?

You can take all the rockers off if you want, it doesn't matter because as soon as you put air into the cylinder, the piston has no choice but to move.
I.E. if piston isn't all the way at bottom of it's travel, the air pressure will force it to that point, which also will make the engine "turn over"...there's no getting around that, no matter how you intend to do the job.

Air introduced into cylinder = piston forced down and valves forced closed.

If piston moves, then so does crankshaft.

Crankshaft moving = engine turning over...