cprgmr

I recently tore down my LT1 heads for a stage III port job and thought I'd share a nifty tool I picked up at my local Matco tools distributor. You can use this to change out the springs with the heads on or off the car. :)

The first spring was kind of a PITA to do, but each one after that got a little easier! :D



Attaching the arms to the base of the spring...


Compressing the snot out of the spring...


Locks removed and spring ready to be taken out...



[Modified by cprgmr, 6:04 PM 4/28/2003]

bogus

interesting machine.

glad it works.


[Modified by bogus, 9:02 PM 4/28/2003]

SPD DMN

I bought the one from Summit that screw into the stud and compresses the spring after using a similar tool as yours on three seperate occassions that I got on loan from Autozone. You would be amazed at how fast the screw in tool really is. I cut the time in 1/3 and never had it pop off the spring once ;).

:D :cheers:

dizwiz24

how do you keep the valve from falling into the cylinder once the spring is removed

SPD DMN

I just put the cylinder to top dead center (TDC) when I do it.

bill mcdonald

What exactly did you use vette 92?

I used one of those pry bars on mine, what a PITA! I will never do that again.

SPD DMN

Looks like he is doing it on the bench so there is no worry of dropping the valve ;).

SPD DMN

A little more expensive, but well worth it. ;)
http://store.summitracing.com/produc...earchtype=ecat

LaVidaLoca

Can you find TDC without pulling the plugs?

I have been wanting to change the seals and this thread is very helpful. Thanks for the tips!! :cheers:

Just went out and found the same tool with the K-D brand for about $26 at http://www.thetoolwearhouse.net
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/TTW420.html


[Modified by LaVidaLoca, 10:27 PM 4/28/2003]

Nathan Plemons

:confused: I thought it worked pretty well. I've done it twice, very quick and easy. The other tool looks like a whole lot of trouble to me. The only reason I could see using that would be if your springs are too large to compress with the pry bar type.

SPD DMN

It is actually easiest with the plugs removed because you can tell TDC versus BDC much easier. Place your finger over the plug whole and feel for air escaping. When the air stops coming out, then you are at TDC. If air is not flowing or is being sucked in, then you are at BDC when the air flow stops.

It makes it a good time to change plugs too. ;)

scorp508

Just remember to tap the locks with a mallet before you put that sucker on there.

bill mcdonald

Did you do yours on the car?
I had my heads off. I had to shove news paper in the combustion chambers to keep the valves from compressing when I ran the pry bar on it. I had to stand on the head when I pryed it up to keep the head down on the newspaper.
:banghead: Never again.

LaVidaLoca

:confused: I am not sure I understand..... ACTUALLY I am sure I DONT understand.

96GS#007

Here's a pic of the Summit tool I used based on advice from Vette92 (Note... there's an extension that fits over the "handle" on the tool to provide more leverage, but in this pic I had already pulled it off and set it aside)



Here a link to my write-up and more pics...
http://www.hashmarks.com/techtips/valve_springs.htm

I later upgraded from the LT4 springs and used the "piston at TDC" method vs compressed air to hold the valves up. Either way works quite well.

:cheers:



[Modified by 96GS#007, 10:56 PM 4/28/2003]

scorp508

On some engines the valve retainer gets stuck on the locks. A quick gentle yet firm tap with a rubber mallet typically jolts them enough to seprate them when you compress the spring without hurting anything.

J Z06

Neat topic!

I am ordering new one's from LPE and my current one's will be tossed(40K) or if someone needs a set of used one's(un likely) I'll sell them.

:cheers:

LaVidaLoca

Ahhh, got it (need an emoticon with a little light bulb coming on)

Thanks! :thumbs:

cprgmr

After looking at the pics of the Moroso compressor, I've definitely come to one conclusion... If I was making a habit out of changing valve springs, I'd pony up the extra 30 or so bucks and get the one Chris uses! :)

65Z01

I have a similar compressor but yours is a improved so as to not slip off the spring retainer.