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Started my valve spring swap!!!

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Old Apr 19, 2011 | 05:15 PM
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Default Started my valve spring swap!!!

As the title states, it only took me about 45 minutes to get the coil packs off, spark plugs out, vavle covers off, rockers off and push rods out. It has taken me the last couple hours trying to get the damn keepers loose on the forst cylinder I am doing. I can get the ones on the intake valve loose but the exhaust valve starts opening and lets the air pressure out of the cylinder before I can get them loose. I have tapped lightly with a hammer but no luck. it seemed to wor on the intake valve. Any ideas? I am usin a double compressor. I guess I should have gotten a single!
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Old Apr 19, 2011 | 09:31 PM
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The double will work good. You just need to tap on the valve again. Put some pressure on the spring with the compressor then tap. It will work.
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Old Apr 19, 2011 | 09:33 PM
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Originally Posted by 03BlkZ
As the title states, it only took me about 45 minutes to get the coil packs off, spark plugs out, vavle covers off, rockers off and push rods out. It has taken me the last couple hours trying to get the damn keepers loose on the forst cylinder I am doing. I can get the ones on the intake valve loose but the exhaust valve starts opening and lets the air pressure out of the cylinder before I can get them loose. I have tapped lightly with a hammer but no luck. it seemed to wor on the intake valve. Any ideas? I am usin a double compressor. I guess I should have gotten a single!
Set the cylinders at TDC, and forget the air. Piece of cake.
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Old Apr 19, 2011 | 10:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Paul 75 L82
The double will work good. You just need to tap on the valve again. Put some pressure on the spring with the compressor then tap. It will work.
I spent over an hour on that one. I guess I will try again tomorrow! Thanks
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Old Apr 20, 2011 | 06:12 PM
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I am still having no luck using the air method. I guess I will use the Top Dead Center method and add the nylon cord method with it. Hopefully that works for me!
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Old Apr 20, 2011 | 06:21 PM
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Originally Posted by 03BlkZ
I am still having no luck using the air method. I guess I will use the Top Dead Center method and add the nylon cord method with it. Hopefully that works for me!
You don't need the nylon cord, if the piston is at TDC. Even if the valve drops...it will just rest on the piston, you can still pull it back up by the valve stem.
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Old Apr 20, 2011 | 06:23 PM
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How much pressure do you have the compressor set at? I had mine at 90 lbs. I don't understand, put the pressure on and start to tighten the spring compressor then give it a tap with the hammer.
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Old Apr 20, 2011 | 06:26 PM
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My compressor is on 100 psi. I just cant get the damn exhaust valve to break loose. I put som pressure on it with the spring compressor and the valve instantly begins to move. I have spent over a hour tapping on it in various ways and still no luck. I guess I am going with TDC method.
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Old Apr 20, 2011 | 06:27 PM
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Originally Posted by 03BlkZ
I am still having no luck using the air method. I guess I will use the Top Dead Center method and add the nylon cord method with it. Hopefully that works for me!
What type of compressor are you using?
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Old Apr 20, 2011 | 06:29 PM
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The dual crane tool. I am an aircraft engine mechanic for christ sake. I should be able to handle this no problem.
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Old Apr 20, 2011 | 06:31 PM
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Originally Posted by 03BlkZ
The dual crane tool. I am an aircraft engine mechanic for christ sake. I should be able to handle this no problem.
I was referring to the air compressor............
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Old Apr 20, 2011 | 06:42 PM
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The locks must have some type of rust to the retainer. Soak it with Blaster to help break it loose. Try to spin the retainer, maybe that will help break it loose.
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Old Apr 20, 2011 | 07:06 PM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
I was referring to the air compressor............
Sorry, its a craftsman 5 HP with a 20 gallon tank.
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Old Apr 20, 2011 | 07:08 PM
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Originally Posted by 03BlkZ
Sorry, its a craftsman 5 HP with a 20 gallon tank.
Hmmmm.....single stage...I would assume. Not much on the CFM there. My guess is, that's part of your problem.

If I remember correctly, the bleed air duct pressure on a 747 was only like 50-60 psi.....it's all about the volume.

Last edited by lucky131969; Apr 20, 2011 at 07:14 PM.
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Old Apr 20, 2011 | 07:33 PM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
Hmmmm.....single stage...I would assume. Not much on the CFM there. My guess is, that's part of your problem.

If I remember correctly, the bleed air duct pressure on a 747 was only like 50-60 psi.....it's all about the volume.
It says 9.1 SCFM at 90 psi. You are correct on the 747 Bleed Air Duct pressure. That is alot of volume as the ducting is 8-10 inch i think.
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Old Apr 20, 2011 | 07:36 PM
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Originally Posted by 03BlkZ
It says 9.1 SCFM at 90 psi. You are correct on the 747 Bleed Air Duct pressure. That is alot of volume as the ducting is 8-10 inch i think.
Yep....you won't start a CF6 with 90 psi @ 9.1 scfm...
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Old Apr 20, 2011 | 08:18 PM
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Originally Posted by 03BlkZ
My compressor is on 100 psi. I just cant get the damn exhaust valve to break loose. I put som pressure on it with the spring compressor and the valve instantly begins to move. I have spent over a hour tapping on it in various ways and still no luck. I guess I am going with TDC method.
I was on the verge of beating [not tapping] the **** out a few of the valves to get the keepers to give it up. I just wish the springs themselves were as tough as their keepers!

I remember using some random 3/8 socket over the retainer to avoid damaging anything important.

Last edited by freeman4ever; Apr 20, 2011 at 08:20 PM. Reason: to add
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To Started my valve spring swap!!!

Old Apr 20, 2011 | 08:48 PM
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Originally Posted by freeman4ever
I was on the verge of beating [not tapping] the **** out a few of the valves to get the keepers to give it up. I just wish the springs themselves were as tough as their keepers!

I remember using some random 3/8 socket over the retainer to avoid damaging anything important.
Did you have to hit it pretty hard? I was trying to be gentile and not mess anything up!
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Old Apr 20, 2011 | 08:52 PM
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Originally Posted by 03BlkZ
Did you have to hit it pretty hard? I was trying to be gentile and not mess anything up!
I hit it pretty hard. I wouldn't wail on it, but if they're stuck on there, you can't be too gentle.
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Old Apr 20, 2011 | 10:08 PM
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Wow - Have gotten those locks off yet?

Seems you have an issue- all the posts I have read on swapping valve springs seem to suggest all you have to do is "tap" the side of the retainer to loosen the locks- and then compress the springs.

Silly question since you are a mechanic- but you did remove the rocker arms right? If not- that would explain the compressor not holding up the valves.

Last edited by NatB; Apr 20, 2011 at 10:10 PM.
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