Already searched. A lot of threads on broken valve springs, but no write-ups that I could find. Looked at some yt vids, but wouldn't mind an LS specific writeup. Broke the outer spring on my #8 exhaust valve, so changing them all.

Thanks.

 

Here you go.

http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?&theme=1

 

Thanks.

 

So you agree with the methods/practices on this ls1howto?

 

I used the proform valve spring compressor tool and it made it very easy.



I also used an air fitting I got at O'Reilly's auto parts for like $8 that went from my air compressor to the spark plug hole.

You'll also want a pen magnet or something magnetic to pick up the retainers because it would be no fun if you dropped one.

The process is pretty simple.

1. Remove the valve cover
2. Loosen the rockers (8mm bolts)
3. Remove the rockers and rocker pedestal that they sit on (Keep them in order and reinstall exactly as removed)
4. Remove the spark plug (I removed them one at a time as I moved from cylinder to cylinder)
5. Insert air fitting into spark plug hole
6. Install spring compressor tool onto the two valve springs you are changing but do not compress yet
7. Put 80ish PSI into the cylinder to hold the valves up
8. SLOWLY compress the springs, but not all the way down. You only want to go down as far as you need to allow the retainers to be removed
9. Pick the retainers off the valve stem with a magnetic pick up tool
10. Slowly decompress the springs
11. Remove the old springs and put the new ones on in their place
12. Slowly compress the new valve springs down just far enough to get the retainers in place
13. Slowly decompress the valve spring compressor ensuring everything locks into place correctly.
14. After all springs are replaced, retorque the rockers and you are good to go. I believe they are torqued to 22 ft/lbs but double check that as it's been a few months since I changed the springs on my car.


Here is a picture to show you how the tool fits/works with the LS1/6 heads:



Overall, it's pretty easy and will only take you a few hours if you take your time and take breaks as necessary.

 

If you are asking me, I have never done a spring job, so this will be my first. I have some guys in the RR section kind of walking me thru this, but it looked pretty straight forward to me. Just need to figure out how to get piston to TDC. My friend who has done the springs on his vette is going to try to get over to help me, but he is a newlywed and his wife is pretty hot, so I am not sure he will be able to break away. Is there something about that diy I should know?

 

It doesn't have to be at TDC if you use an air compressor.

I also just found this video that may help you understand further how the tool works. Very simple and very effective.

http://youtu.be/-I85URitTdM

 

Hmmm..
How bout Part.4 Reassembly & Testing?

Wrong procedure for tightening down rockers
Not according to GM manual.

http://www.ls1howto.com/howto/fbody/...allrockers.jpg

 

..and more importantly, just bad practice in general.

 

Spend the $100 and get the service manuals.

 

Didn't say I agreed or disagreed. OP asked if someone knew of a DIY; I found one and I obliged. Don't put words in my mouth, I just responded to a request for info. Right or wrong is not for me to decide. If he had the service manuals, which he obviously doesn't, he wouldn't be asking would he?

 

service manuals are in the garage so I dont have them in front of me but isnt the only difference between them and the ls1howto procedure to put the piston at TDC before you tighten down the rocker?

 

Going to start in the morning following the above steps and the LS1howto. I will take a lot of pics and post here. Once there is a consensus on the how to, I will post in a new diy thread for future searches. As it stands now, I have valve covers removed, FAST removed (I was planning on pulling head but changed my mind), and header disconnected. Borrowing air compressor tomorrow and getting spark plug adapter for pressurizing the chamber. Going to give the straw trick with turning the back wheels to get piston to TDC a shot tonite. Borrowing 2 different kinds of spring compressor tools before I buy one. Car is road raced monthly with the high lift cam so this will be an annual chore for me. Feel free to post your thoughts and ideas. Thanks.

 

Been there, done that. I would never turn the back wheels again, especially if you're alone. The easiest approach is use a 15/16 offset box wrench (thanks to Trash for this!) to turn the crank. It's so easy this way, a caveman could do it.

 

Screw using air. A length of rope is easier and 100% foolproof.

 

Pretty good write-up and detail in this thread:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-z...acement-6.html