[Just_Another_Mike]

I've never had such a tough time getting heads back together. Done a few Edelbrock's and GM's, but I can't get both stem locks down in the valve while holding down on the spring compressor. Those 10 degree valve stem locks are a different species! Seems tighter than anything I've ever done before. Even getting them apart required another set of hands(something I've never had to do before either). Tried both a Manley tool and a Summit spring compressor. If I could get the spring to compress evenly instead of always ending up with some unevenness, I think I might be able to get them together. Any suggestions with AFR's before I call AFR tech support in the morning? TIA

Mike

 

[Wolfplace]

I've never had such a tough time getting heads back together. Done a few Edelbrock's and GM's, but I can't get both stem locks down in the valve while holding down on the spring compressor. Those 10 degree valve stem locks are a different species! Seems tighter than anything I've ever done before. Even getting them apart required another set of hands(something I've never had to do before either). Tried both a Manley tool and a Summit spring compressor. If I could get the spring to compress evenly instead of always ending up with some unevenness, I think I might be able to get them together. Any suggestions with AFR's before I call AFR tech support in the morning? TIA

Mike

=
What are you using for a compressor? If it is the type that is designed to be used with the head on the engine & you have the roller springs my suggestion is before you screw up the valve stems or end up wearing a retainer take them to a machine shop that has a real spring compressor or buy one if you are going to be working with this stuff.

There are some very good manual compressors out now designed for hi springs pressure for about $150 or so that will handle springs in the 600# range
I have an air operated one that costs about $800 but I do this daily for a living.
For an occasional set of heads you don't need this much compressor but you do need a good manual one with a 600# spring.

 

[Da_chevyman]

If you are using a leaver style spring compressor, it won't get it done on those AFR's with those roller springs.
My buddy and I both were on the bar pulling to get my springs loose on my AFR's.
I ended up resorting to using the screw style spring compressor. I didn’t have any more problems with removing and reassembling the valve springs afterwards.

Have fun.

 

[Harold Sutton]

I've never had such a tough time getting heads back together. Done a few Edelbrock's and GM's, but I can't get both stem locks down in the valve while holding down on the spring compressor. Those 10 degree valve stem locks are a different species! Seems tighter than anything I've ever done before. Even getting them apart required another set of hands(something I've never had to do before either). Tried both a Manley tool and a Summit spring compressor. If I could get the spring to compress evenly instead of always ending up with some unevenness, I think I might be able to get them together. Any suggestions with AFR's before I call AFR tech support in the morning? TIA

Mike

Roller springs and 10 degree keepers (which is what i think you are refering to) make taking the springs off or reinstalling them a real pain. Not being able to adequately compress the spring is the main culprit. I think that Isky recommends the super seven degree locks for this application which require different retainers and locks but will fit your valves. I bought a MTI valve spring compressor, (which claims to be able to compress any roller spring), in order to make the job easier. My son did the actual work and said it worked O.K. but hasn't returned it yet.

 

[Just_Another_Mike]

Mike(Wolfplace), I'm sure you don't remember, but you got me these heads and they are the weaker springs(for a hydraulic roller cam). I am using the spring compressor that screws down on the stud. Although anything can happen, I don't think that I am going to bend a valve as the valve is not receiving any pressure, the problem is that as the fork compresses the spring, it is not even. Also those 10 degree locks have multiple edges. I made an adjustment to the tool and I'm going to try it before lunch, if it doesn't work, I'll take it to a professional.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Wolfplace]

Mike(Wolfplace), I'm sure you don't remember, but you got me these heads and they are the weaker springs(for a hydraulic roller cam). I am using the spring compressor that screws down on the stud. Although anything can happen, I don't think that I am going to bend a valve as the valve is not receiving any pressure, the problem is that as the fork compresses the spring, it is not even. Also those 10 degree locks have multiple edges. I made an adjustment to the tool and I'm going to try it before lunch, if it doesn't work, I'll take it to a professional.

Thanks,

Mike

=
Hi Mike,
Yes, I remember now & those springs are about 400 open.
I wasn't concerned about you bending a valve, what I was concerned with is gouging up the valve stems which will render the seals almost useless.
You need to be very careful with that tool even when the head is installed on the engine to be sure you attempt not to "slide" the retainer down the valve stem as the retainers are pretty sharp on the bottom edges & can nick the stem.
In other words, you want to try to keep the retainer sort of centered as it is pushed down or try to guide it with one of the keepers.

And thank you again for trusting us with your purchase,, it is
appreciated :beers:

 

[mc71454]

MIke,

I just did this, Compress the spring to get one lock in..Then compress a little more to get the retainer and spring below the second locks location..Install the second lock on the valve.Then slowly release the spring to where the retainer and the second lock are in contact then slowly wiggle the spring up and down by slightly compressing and decompressing the spring until the retainer shifts over and the second lock is locked in. Use one hand on the compressor and the other with two fingers to steady the second lock...just don't pinch your skin in the retainer.

Let me guess, when you compress the spring, the retainer moves over to one side against the valve stem.

 

[Just_Another_Mike]

Thanks for the words of caution Mike. Tom, I will give it a go in a little while. I appreciate the step-by-step instructions.

Mike

 

[cody]

I guess i am some kind of savage, i used a kragen manual spring compressor to put my solid roller valve springs back in.....by myself, put on a good set of gloves and went to work, lets just say i got it done but compressor is shot! and yes i had more than a few springs pop off and go flying!

 

[mc71454]

This is the compressor I use both on and off the motor.

 

[Just_Another_Mike]

Okay, got them back together. Tom, that's the exact tool I was using. I bent those two forks so they were completely flat and everything went in really fast.

Mike