On-head ValveSpring Removal

Discussion in 'Wrenchin' Secrets' started by DasRottweiler, Aug 28, 2020.

  1. DasRottweiler

    DasRottweiler -BuickAddict-

    What tool are folks using to remove/install the inner springs for cam swaps with the head on the car?
    Doing a cam swap this winter and would like to get everything I need prior to.
    Thanks in advance, JIM
     
  2. 72STAGE1

    72STAGE1 STAGE 1 & 2

    There’s one from TA that works great, and nylon rope to put in the spark plug hole is all it takes.
     
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  3. BUQUICK

    BUQUICK I'm your huckleberry.

    I second what 72STAGE1 says. I've used the TA tool to replace springs several times and it works well. I prefer to put compressed air in the cylinders to hold the valves closed rather than the rope trick but that's just personal preference.

    The only difficulties I've had are the rear cylinders on each side and that's because the tool hits the brake booster on the drivers side, and the A/C evaporator box on the passenger side, before the retainer is depressed far enough to remove the locks. So I use an appropriate sized spacer (socket) and place it on top of the retainer so that it is depressed with the handle in a higher position. Now if you have manual brakes and no A/C you probably won't have any problems at all. Good Luck!

    upload_2020-8-28_14-58-9.png

    upload_2020-8-28_14-59-32.png
     
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  4. Buickcub

    Buickcub Well-Known Member

    I used one like this [​IMG]
     
  5. DasRottweiler

    DasRottweiler -BuickAddict-

    Great thanks for the links, pics, and information. Very helpful, and appreciated. I'll order the tool and air hold adapter when I'm ready to move forward . Bigger cam , bigger springs, bigger valves, here we come....JIM
     
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  6. Buickcub

    Buickcub Well-Known Member

    be careful with the air, it may cause your engine to rotate
     
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  7. dan zepnick

    dan zepnick Well-Known Member

    Snap on makes a good one too. Its like the screw type above but has a lever instead. I've used it for years.
     
  8. DasRottweiler

    DasRottweiler -BuickAddict-

    I do have one from Lisle that I picked up.
    20200828_224846.jpg

    I'll try it on an assembled head I have in the basement and I'll order the air hold adapter . Thanks again . JIM
     
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  9. 436'd Skylark

    436'd Skylark Sweet Fancy Moses!!!!!

    I have one of these. I bought it specifically to swap inner springs for a cam break in on my stage 2 engine. It worked great, but the brake booster was in the way and had to be removed. I'd imagine the AC box would also be in the way.
     
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  10. dan zepnick

    dan zepnick Well-Known Member

    That looks like my snap on tool. A touch of grease on the rotating area and it works great
     
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  11. DasRottweiler

    DasRottweiler -BuickAddict-

    upload_2021-1-2_12-34-25.png
    I used this one yesterday to install my inner springs after lifter/cam break-in.
    Shot a couple retainers around the garage, but once I got the hang of it , it went ok. I did drop a keeper, twenty minutes later, I found it , inside the frame, go figure...a quick tip: Stuff foam earplugs into the oil return holes prior to starting this project, just don't forget to pop em out before closing up the valve covers!
    This Lisle tool also comes with a bolt , that replaces the handle that you can use to do #7 , by the booster. There were sum choice words uttered, but all in all, not so bad...JIM
    20210101_180137.jpg
     
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  12. Mart

    Mart Gold level member

    This home made setup works well. Flip handle around for clearance around a/c box or brake booster/master.
     

    Attached Files:

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  13. Matt Knutson

    Matt Knutson Well-Known Member

    How the hell did you find a keeper in the frame rail? That's got to be pure luck.
     
    Mart likes this.
  14. DasRottweiler

    DasRottweiler -BuickAddict-

    HAD TO! Either that or leave my compressor running to keep the valve up while I ran round like a chicken looking for a replacement.
    It bounced off the header and went behind the inner fender by the cowl.
    I had to pull the tire and splash guard and I could feel it with my finga. You couldn't see it and it was just outta reach, no matter which frame hole you tried to reach it from.. Snagged it with a magnet, glad it wasn't stainless! Jim
     
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  15. Mart

    Mart Gold level member

    Magnets can be your friend!
    I think I have one keeper hiding somewhere too.
    It's scary when your compressor pops the breaker and your valves start sliding down.
    That rope trick might just be extra insurance....
     
  16. 1969RIVI

    1969RIVI Well-Known Member

    Keep some clothespins nearby so if that crazy weird scenario ever did happen and the valve started to sink down put a clothespin on the valve stem to stop it from going down until you find the keeper and reset your braker:D
     
  17. theroundbug

    theroundbug Well-Known Member



    Putting rope in the plug hole sketches me out (I don't have an air compressor). How much do you put in? Until no more will fit? You just snake it in?
     
  18. gstewart

    gstewart Well-Known Member

    I used the same tool and had no problem with the brake booster
     
  19. Fox's Den

    Fox's Den 355Xrs

    I did the rope trick I put piston at TDC and pushed it in till it stopped. It worked!
     

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