[Semper Fi 71]

So does anybody have a better way to do this than me? I bought the "cheapy" OEM overhead valve spring compressor (one with the T-bar) so i could remove them while the motor is still in the car. This dag nabbin thing will randomly pop off and scare me to death, every time! Besides that, is there a better way to remove the keepers. I got one spring out so far, but it was luck. I tried magnetizing a screw driver, prying them out with one of those baby computer screwdrivers, pliers, i even spray some dub 40 on them and nothing. Any help would be great, this is the last obstacle until the cam goes in. Thanks guys. :thumbsup:

 

[BillsCamino]

Smack the retainer with a socket/hammer before compressing the valve spring. Then, use a magnet to capture the locks.

 

[Mike]

The locking lever type is what I've used without issues.

Those t-bar types -if it's what I'm thinking of

- only compress the outer spring not inner & outer.
And ,Yes , you need to loosen them by a sharp blow off center on the retainer ,then your magnetic screwdriver will work -somewhat.

 

[lun40119]

Yep, I always givem a tap, So they aren't stuck. And then use a magnet to get them out.

 

[Semper Fi 71]

ok cool thanks guys, i wash just worried about the blow of the hammer. I know the valve train recieves plenty of vibration during operation, but i just get paranoid. Thanks guys and mike im gonna look for that locking lever type if my p.o.s doesnt work after smaking the retainer

 

[cajunchevelle]

The locking lever type is what I've used without issues.

Those t-bar types -if it's what I'm thinking of

- only compress the outer spring not inner & outer.
And ,Yes , you need to loosen them by a sharp blow off center on the retainer ,then your magnetic screwdriver will work -somewhat.

Me too, but mine is simpler than that one even. Just a piece of stamped flat plate with a rib on each side for strength and about a 45 degree elbow in it.

be sure to pressurize the cylinder with air, or you'll be pulling a head off to fetch a valve.

 

[Chevymetal]

I feel for you man. I just got done doing the same job with one of the locking lever types and on the third spring a stud broke, then the handle bent on the 4th spring and I smashed the fire out of my thumb.when it happened.
I finally just took the heads and dropped them off at reputable machine shop, best $40 bucks I ever spent.
BTW, It's worth having on a pair of safety glasses when you're messing with stuff under pressure.

 

[big_orange]

Used the flat bar type many times...and sounds like youre having the same issue as I did.....cant compress the spring far enough to pop the keepers out easily. I had to bend the bar, and when running a nut down on the rocker stud to hold the compressor, had to give it a good 8-10 rounds, have a ratchet handy and CAREFULLY back the nut off when I got the keepers out, with one hand pushing down on the spring. real PITA but the only way i had luck getting enough travel with the flat bar compressor.

I now have the type Mike posted, pic #1, and Love it!!:yes:

yeah to what these fellas said....rap the retainers first, by all means air the cylinder up, and watch out for the belts and fan, etc...when you do...get 'er in the wrong spot and she will roll over FAST when you hit the air to it.

 

[big_orange]

...... I just got done doing the same job with one of the locking lever types and on the third spring a stud broke, then the handle bent on the 4th spring and I smashed the fire out of my thumb.when it happened.

how far across the yard did the compressor make it when that happened?

 

[Chevymetal]

how far across the yard did the compressor make it when that happened?

It hit the wall of the newly painted garage about 5ft. away (no holes). I'm just glad it didn't hit me in the face and ruin some of this beauty of mine.

 

[big_orange]

It hit the wall of the newly painted garage about 5ft. away (no holes). I'm just glad it didn't hit me in the face and ruin some of this beauty of mine.

was that where it went when it flew off the motor..............or out of your hand? LOL

 

[Ron454]

Use a big socket on the retainer when you rap it with the hammer.

I remember having a spring get away from my old style C spring compresser. It was a roller spring and it took me several hours to find it in the garage.....

 

[smitty454]

I would order the lever style like posted above in the picture.

Tap the spring retainer a few times around the edge to loosen up the keeper.

While you are prying the lever, have a buddy with a magnetic screwdriver pick out the keepers.

Oh yeah, make sure you plug all passages to the lifter valley with a rag or something. You do not want a keeper falling into your engine.

Forgot an important piece! You will need to borrow a compressor and a hose to plug into your spark plug hole so you can fill the cylinder with air.

 

[Stikman33]

Yeah, very little air is needed to keep the valves in place BTW. I put 90psi in a cylinder once and the engine turned over REALLY fast with a breaker bar still on the balancer bolt, it went around and hit the fan extension really hard!

 

[Mike]

Couple feet of rope through spark plug hole and bring piston up to hold valve's works fine too - no air needed.
Just verify both valves are supported before you pull the keeper's.