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Thread: Changing valve springs

  1. #1
    Rhymes with tortoise. Turbo Mopar Staff cordes's Avatar
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    Changing valve springs

    There has got to be a better way! I strained my marriage asking my wife for help with this job today. The fulcrum type spring compressor causes the retainer to shift to one side or the other. The puller type compressors I’ve used don’t compress far enough, and don’t hold the spring well enough.

    Has anyone made a compressor tool which bolts to the towers and then compresses the spring through the retainer axially with with the valve and yet allows for one’s wife to get her fingers in there?

    On top of all this, I’m actually hoping that I lost one of my PT lifter shims into the oil pan, because otherwise, it’s hiding somewhere in the head.

    Talk about a frustrating day!

  2. #2
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    Re: Changing valve springs

    I have only done it one time and the head was off the car and on the bench. Used a compressor like this - https://www.amazon.com/OTC-4573-Univ.../dp/B000F5HUUI . It was years ago, and I don't remember having any issues with it.

  3. #3
    Rhymes with tortoise. Turbo Mopar Staff cordes's Avatar
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    Re: Changing valve springs

    Quote Originally Posted by jamesmonty View Post
    I have only done it one time and the head was off the car and on the bench. Used a compressor like this - https://www.amazon.com/OTC-4573-Univ.../dp/B000F5HUUI . It was years ago, and I don't remember having any issues with it.
    I have never used one of those which was any good. Perhaps I’ve always come across cheap ones, but wow have they been frustrating. Part of the problem here is that my hands are very large, and in today’s example. I was using the crane springs, which look beefier than the stock pieces, which certainly doesn’t help.

    I really am thinking about machining a nice compressor to bolt to the cam towers. It won’t happen until the fall though, unfortunately.

  4. #4

    Re: Changing valve springs

    Quote Originally Posted by cordes View Post
    I have never used one of those which was any good. Perhaps I’ve always come across cheap ones, but wow have they been frustrating. Part of the problem here is that my hands are very large, and in today’s example. I was using the crane springs, which look beefier than the stock pieces, which certainly doesn’t help.

    I really am thinking about machining a nice compressor to bolt to the cam towers. It won’t happen until the fall though, unfortunately.
    I had the same tool and it did not work with our heads so I made this....Works good.
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    best 1/8 ET-6.16 sec. best 1/8 speed-119.70 Best 1/4 MPH 145.5, Best 1/4 ET 9.65 sec. 8 valve NO NITROUS!!

  5. #5
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    Re: Changing valve springs

    hear's one to copy
    4.6/5.4 ford


    https://www.euroexportinc.com/ford-m...ng-compressor/
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    Last edited by Dr. Johny Dodge; 06-07-2022 at 12:04 PM.

  6. #6
    Rhymes with tortoise. Turbo Mopar Staff cordes's Avatar
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    Re: Changing valve springs

    Thanks guys. Warrens’ design is almost exactly whe I had in mind. I could definitely make some of those up in. No time.

    Now the long wait until I have access to the machines at school again…

  7. #7
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    Re: Changing valve springs

    Brian,
    If you're having issues with a 8V valvesprings, you're not like a Masi engine with it's recessed springs (lol).
    Goodson makes various tools to help address this issue. This is one from Goodson I use to install springs in Masi head. Last pic (head off the engine) I use a drill press/table to easily compress springs. Works pretty slick installing keepers in a tight area.
    Todd
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  8. #8
    Rhymes with tortoise. Turbo Mopar Staff cordes's Avatar
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    Re: Changing valve springs

    I’ve always thought the recessed springs would be a nightmare. I probably won’t find out any time soon, but perhaps one day…

  9. #9
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    Re: Changing valve springs

    Quote Originally Posted by jamesmonty View Post
    I have only done it one time and the head was off the car and on the bench. Used a compressor like this - https://www.amazon.com/OTC-4573-Univ.../dp/B000F5HUUI . It was years ago, and I don't remember having any issues with it.
    I have similar, I think from Lisle, works well on 8v, tight on 16v

    Quote Originally Posted by Warren Stramer View Post
    I had the same tool and it did not work with our heads so I made this....Works good.
    This looks like it would work very well!

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  10. #10
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    Re: Changing valve springs

    This is what I use
    https://www.amazon.ca/Sealey-Valve-S.../dp/B000R9ZITC
    Works great just need to adjust the handle differently than the picture
    Regards,
    Miles

    DD '87 Sundance T1, SLH with rear disks
    '87 CSX #432 2.5 CB TII, SLH

  11. #11
    Rhymes with tortoise. Turbo Mopar Staff cordes's Avatar
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    Re: Changing valve springs

    Quote Originally Posted by chromguy View Post
    This is what I use
    https://www.amazon.ca/Sealey-Valve-S.../dp/B000R9ZITC
    Works great just need to adjust the handle differently than the picture
    I have a very hard time getting my fingers in there with the engine in car. The two piece intake doesn’t help either. It definitely works, but I think what Warren posted is going to be the hot ticket for me. I really can’t wait to make one.

  12. #12
    Supporting Member Turbo Mopar Contributor
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    Re: Changing valve springs

    Quote Originally Posted by cordes View Post
    I have a very hard time getting my fingers in there with the engine in car. The two piece intake doesn’t help either. It definitely works, but I think what Warren posted is going to be the hot ticket for me. I really can’t wait to make one.
    OK, I just used a telescopic magnet, if needed for the keepers etc
    Regards,
    Miles

    DD '87 Sundance T1, SLH with rear disks
    '87 CSX #432 2.5 CB TII, SLH

  13. #13

    Re: Changing valve springs

    Quote Originally Posted by chromguy View Post
    OK, I just used a telescopic magnet, if needed for the keepers etc
    I sure wish a magnet worked with titanium locks, big pain in the a$$.
    best 1/8 ET-6.16 sec. best 1/8 speed-119.70 Best 1/4 MPH 145.5, Best 1/4 ET 9.65 sec. 8 valve NO NITROUS!!

  14. #14
    Supporting Member Turbo Mopar Contributor
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    Re: Changing valve springs

    Quote Originally Posted by Warren Stramer View Post
    I sure wish a magnet worked with titanium locks, big pain in the a$$.
    Oh ya
    Regards,
    Miles

    DD '87 Sundance T1, SLH with rear disks
    '87 CSX #432 2.5 CB TII, SLH

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