Hi all,

I have a stock 1992 base model with 150,000. It’s blowing smoke when first starting and when accelerating from a stop. I decided to replace valve stem seals. Fel-Pro SS72861.

Tried using air compressor method to hold the valves up. But it was really hard to thread the hose into the sparkplug hole. So I used the rope method. Used ¼” nylon rope that I had. Turned crank CW until intake valve closed. Shoved in rope and turned crank CW until it feel firm, about 1/8 of a turn. Replaced seals, then turned crank CCW about 1/8 of a turn to remove the rope. That worked well for cylinders 1-7, but really hard to shove rope into #8. Went to store to find something stiffer. Ended up buying some 3/8” natural fiber rope. Shoved it in and was able to replace those seals. Turned crank CCW about 1/8 of turn, but rope wouldn’t come out. Tried turning crank CW and CCW while tugging on rope. Wouldn’t budge. I tried to shove a screwdriver into the sparkplug hole, but wasn’t able to get it in the hole cause rope was too thick. I really don’t want to pull the heads. I’m pretty sure both valves were closed, so I don’t think the rope is caught on the valve stems, but I could be wrong. I talked to a few “home mechanics” and was told that I should have bought nylon rope.

This is where I need you suggestions for removing the rope. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

I would remove the valve springs and while slowly turning the crank move the valves up and down, and spin them, while trying to pull the rope out. It's caught on something, or it got a knot in itself in the cylinder.

 

Thanks Yonker. I'll go to the auto parts store next week and borrow their compressor again.