02-10-13, 10:23 PM
If you ever need to remove the valve springs off your motor and don't have a air compressor, you can still do it. It's also handy for motors with headers where the tubes may not allow a air hose to connect to the plug hole. Plus, you don't have to worry if your compressor craps out...
First, get some rope (I prefer nylon), that is just smaller than the plug hole. You don't need much, 2ft is more than enough. If it's nylon, burn the end so it doesn't fray going in and out of the plug hole. You'll also need a spring compressor like this one: 812. It also helps to have a magnetic rod to remove the keepers (or retrieve them when they've dropped).
Then, pull all the spark plugs, and remove the rocker shafts and pushrods.
Now, feed the rope into the plug hole. you don't need to feed alot in there, maybe 6-8" or so. Now, rotate the engine by the crank pulley (DO NOT USE THE STARTER, disconnect the battery just to be safe). when the engine binds, stop turning. Put the compressor on the valve and tighten down. Once the spring is compressed, you may have to tap the retainer to knock it loose from the keepers. Don't remove the keepers just yet.
Let the bottom of the spring rest on the head. The valve should stay in place as the rope holds it against the seat. If it does, remove the keepers and then remove the spring and retainer from the head. Now you can do whatever work you needed to do (swap springs, replace seals, etc). Then just follow the reverse to put it back together. Once you're done with that cylinder, rotate the crank the opposite way so you can remove the rope and proceed to the next cylinder.
It takes a little longer than using a air line and compressor, but it's much safer in the long run. (Just imagine what would happen if you lost power).
First, get some rope (I prefer nylon), that is just smaller than the plug hole. You don't need much, 2ft is more than enough. If it's nylon, burn the end so it doesn't fray going in and out of the plug hole. You'll also need a spring compressor like this one: 812. It also helps to have a magnetic rod to remove the keepers (or retrieve them when they've dropped).
Then, pull all the spark plugs, and remove the rocker shafts and pushrods.
Now, feed the rope into the plug hole. you don't need to feed alot in there, maybe 6-8" or so. Now, rotate the engine by the crank pulley (DO NOT USE THE STARTER, disconnect the battery just to be safe). when the engine binds, stop turning. Put the compressor on the valve and tighten down. Once the spring is compressed, you may have to tap the retainer to knock it loose from the keepers. Don't remove the keepers just yet.
Let the bottom of the spring rest on the head. The valve should stay in place as the rope holds it against the seat. If it does, remove the keepers and then remove the spring and retainer from the head. Now you can do whatever work you needed to do (swap springs, replace seals, etc). Then just follow the reverse to put it back together. Once you're done with that cylinder, rotate the crank the opposite way so you can remove the rope and proceed to the next cylinder.
It takes a little longer than using a air line and compressor, but it's much safer in the long run. (Just imagine what would happen if you lost power).
