Replacing valve springs
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 77
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From: Athens Alabama
Replacing valve springs
I need to replace my valve springs after discovering 2 that were broken. 
My Helms suggests using compressed air to hold the valves in place while replacing them with heads installed, but I have read of people on the forum here using the "rope trick". Can anyone explain or give me a link to the "rope trick"? Is it easier than the compressed air, I hope?
My Helms suggests using compressed air to hold the valves in place while replacing them with heads installed, but I have read of people on the forum here using the "rope trick". Can anyone explain or give me a link to the "rope trick"? Is it easier than the compressed air, I hope?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,923
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From: GA
You take a 3-4 foot length of 3/8" diameter soft rope and with the piston down in the cylinder you want to do, you remove the spark plug and feed as much of the rope as you can into the cylinder. Once you have it stuffed full, rotate the engine by hand (SLOWLY) to bring the piston back up until it contacts the rope. Now you should be able to remove the locks, keeper and spring without any worries.
Just remember when you are done to rotate the engine, by hand, in the opposite direction you did to bring the piston up so you can remove the rope.
Just remember when you are done to rotate the engine, by hand, in the opposite direction you did to bring the piston up so you can remove the rope.
Use nylon or polyester rope
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 707
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From: Syracuse Utah
You know, the compressed air adapter is so fast and easy, why don't you see if you can rent one from somewhere. I talked to my mechanic and he had 3 of them and let me use one no cost. If you have 2 broken springs, chances are you should replace all of them.
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 77
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From: Athens Alabama
Hotred- I do plan on replacing all of the springs and I think I will try the compressed air over the "rope trick". Shoving a piece of rope into the cyl just doesn't seem cool to me. Don't get me wrong, it may work but I just prefer to keep all foreign objects out of there. What kind of spring compressor did you use? Mine is a 93 LT1.
