Swap valve springs

goodoldvic

goodoldvic

Senior Member
Hi, stock lifters and valves. Can I swap out the valve springs with the head on? Thanx in advance for the answer.
 
Well, in theory you can but making that valve stay down against the seat so you can get the retainers & keepers on without being able to put pressure on the top of the valve might be more trouble than just R&R-ing the head.

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I said "yes" because I have done it. Having said that, take Brent's advice and just take the head off. While it wasn't the valves trying to "float" while putting the springs and keepers on that got me, but it was the fact that there were other things I needed to have seen on the top end of the engine that necessitated taking the head off later in the process anyway.
 
The real answer is-NO. You can remove the keeper by pressurizing the cylinder with compressed air BUT, after the keeper is off you won't be able to raise the valve enough to get the spring off. I remove LOTS of valves and springs and I find even with the valve up as far as possible, it is difficult to remove the springs. You might get one off and the replacement back on but, you won't want to do 8. Anyone who doesn't believe me, just try it.
 
Why are you swapping springs? If you have straight-stemmed valves and straight guides you have lost about .090" of installed height, and you will need spacers to get back to stock spring strength. If using a stock cam I recommend 40 lbs. of pressure at installed height, slightly more than stock. If using a touring cam, check with your cam grinder for recommended pressure.
 
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