Compressing new valve springs w/o cam removal

[Sloride]

Hey guys,

im in the process of changing over to conical springs , i have the kd cam tool and used 'the rope' method to hold up the valves. Is it possible to install the new springs without removing the cam? ( the cam tool pushes the new spring at an angle &#128546


Thanks.

[tryingbe]

It'd be easier to use compressed air to hold the valves closed.

[Sloride]

True. I had some trouble sourcing the air spark plug fitting, thus the Jimmy job.
I have both cylinder 1 valve springs off already and I'm wondering if it is possible to avoid the r and r of the cam for each cylinder+ the re centreline.

[turismolover22]

Should be able to find a spark plug adapter to hose from the autoparts store. Even a cheap harbor freight job will work. You arent using the gauge or anything else, just need the plug adapter. Good luck!

[c2xejk]

Ok, I am at a loss of what the issue is.

The process as I envision it:

1) Remove cam to remove followers
2) Install cam to be able to remove springs
3) Remove all spark plugs.
4) Feed rope into into cylinder and rotate crank to "snug" valves into place.
5) R&R valve springs
6) Remove rope from cylinder
7) repeat 4, 5 & 6 as needed for each cylinder.
8) Install all spark plugs.
9) Remove cam and install followers.
10) Install cam and time engine.

What am I missing?

[86Shelby]

I wouldn't bother removing the cam. You can carefully use a long screwdriver or small prybar to depress the valve springs enough to slip the followers in & out. Place the end of the prybar on the spring retainer and pry in between the cam lobes. You don't need to push the retainers down much, just enough to slip it out. It does help a bunch if the cam lobe is situated so the follower is on the base circle of the lobe. Had I known this would come up I would have taken a pic of doing that when I had to put a follower back in after a lifter failed on my car last week.

[ajakeski]

I use one of these compressors:

http://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.com...DSIaAv2G8P8HAQ

[Reaper1]

I *just* did this job on my TC. What a gigantic PITA!!

The thing to make sure of (and I screwed up...then got SUPER lucky)...make sure the piston is at TDC in the hole you are working on...so if the valve does drop, it won't fall into the cylinder! I actually had that happen...got lucky that my magnet fit through the valve guide and the vavle just sat on top of the piston...I was able to grab just the top tip of the valve and pull it back up through the guide!

I used the special tool compressor that is shown in the FSM and the one that "ajakeski" posted. You STILL have to remove the oil splash shield from cam caps #1 and #2 in order to work on those 2 valves, so make sure you have some anaerobic sealer for cap #1.

I found it VERY helpful to have some hobby type tweezers to help install the keepers. Had it not been for that tool...I probably would STILL be cussing those things!

[Sloride]

I wouldn't bother removing the cam. You can carefully use a long screwdriver or small prybar to depress the valve springs enough to slip the followers in & out. Place the end of the prybar on the spring retainer and pry in between the cam lobes. You don't need to push the retainers down much, just enough to slip it out. It does help a bunch if the cam lobe is situated so the follower is on the base circle of the lobe. Had I known this would come up I would have taken a pic of doing that when I had to put a follower back in after a lifter failed on my car last week.

I shall try this...