Valve Spring

J

jhowes

Well-known member
I am trying to put the valve springs back in my motor. How is it done? Mine are the original type and I inserted the two piece guide and pushed it up into the block as far as I could. The I tried to put the spring on the valve stem and let it push on the valve guide but I have not been able to get the spring on. The lifter is at the bottom of its' cycle to give as much room as possible, but it is still a "no go" . I am wondering if I can put the spring in a vise and compress it then tie it in it's compressed position with some safety wire. Once installed I could cut the wire off and let the spring find its' sweet spot. How do others do it? It's frustrating because I did this 65 years ago with the crude tools I had available then. Now I have every hand tool known to man and I can't do a simple job. Thanks, Jack
 
You need a valve spring compressor. It's a hand held tool you use to compress the valve spring before you put on the retainer. Search this site to find a photo of one.
 
recommend the pry bar style that pivots off exhaust stud. Brattons and others
. I tried 2 vintage style, the modern pry works like a champ
 
I'm thinking that something isn't quite right, as it should be an easy process. Make sure the guides are installed long end up. The short end is towards the cam. If you have the adjuster style cam followers, screw the adjusters in as far as they will go. Now the springs should go in there place easily with maybe a little pry from a screw driver. Now install the valves in there guides. Next will require a spring compressor as stated above and install the keeper on each valve. Make sure the cam lobe is down so that there is room for the compressor to do it's job. Hope this helps.
 
Make sure the guide is fully seated up against the block. It is a little difficult but no tools should be necessary until time to install the spring retainer.
 
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