I'm having trouble removing my valve springs for replacement. I am using 100lbs of compressed air
in the cylinder to hold the valves closed. The spring compressor is the type that screws to the rocker stud and has a fork that pushes down on the outer edge of the retainer. The problem is I cannot keep the valves from opening when I try to compress the spring to remove the keepers. It's almost like the keepers are wedged in to tight on the retainers.
Is there something I am doing wrong or does anyone have any helpful tips?
This is a Gen6 502 with aluminum heads.

Might try putting a socket on top of the spring and giving it a good whack first to jar the keepers loose.

Ray,
Take a plastic hammer and tap each retainer on its edge, that will usually break loose the keepers. You can try it while you are pulling on the spring compressor too. Another thing you can do is instead of using the air, get a piece of 1/4" cotton rope and shove it into the cylinder through the spark plug hole. It will keep the valves from opening without hurting them. Just make sure the piston is up to the top.
Stop by and say hello if you are wandering around in Waldorf smile.gif

Thanks guys.
I'll try the rope and hammer deal.

Yup , rubber mallet usally does the trick...