Lost 1 valve keeper??
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 27
From: Oxford PA
Lost 1 valve keeper??
In the middle of doing a cam swap and upgrading the valve springs and push rods.
While putting on one of the new springs, the tool popped off and shot one of the new valve keepers across my garage. I can't find it anywhere.
To my knowledge, the keeper fits the valve size. So, my question is, can I just use two of the original keepers on the new springs? They seem to fit.
Has anyone run into this issue??
While putting on one of the new springs, the tool popped off and shot one of the new valve keepers across my garage. I can't find it anywhere.
To my knowledge, the keeper fits the valve size. So, my question is, can I just use two of the original keepers on the new springs? They seem to fit. Has anyone run into this issue??
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
When I replaced my valve springs, I used the original ones.
I had purchased around six new one's, just in case I would loose some on the spring install.
I ended up using one or maybe two of the new ones.
No problems.
I had purchased around six new one's, just in case I would loose some on the spring install.
I ended up using one or maybe two of the new ones.
No problems.
Last edited by bumble-z; May 14, 2013 at 07:26 AM.
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
Joined: Dec 2010
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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
did you change the valves and retainers also or just the springs?... if you are reusing you oem retainers and valves then yes the factory lock will work... if you changed retainers you should find out the lock angle on them to make sure your factory ones will work because they may fit the groove in the valve but if the angle is different then your springs and retainers can still pop off... I would not put it back together until you find the one you lost or find the correct replacement... I had the same thing happen to me when I did mine, I ran a magnet all over my damn engine bay and an hour later I found it under the corner of one of my jackstands... it almost looked like someone put it there on purpose it was so well hidden
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
If the ones you are installing are not the OEM, who is the manufacturer or vendor where you got them? Many will shoot you a set of two in the mail real quickly when things like this occur. If you are not installing OEM, I personally would prefer to replace the lost one as long as you are sure it isn't inside the motor.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 27
From: Oxford PA
I am sure it is not in the motor. I have been unable to find the one I lost. I have sent an email to comp cams and am waiting to hear back.
I am replacing the springs and retainers. I guess the best thing to do at this point is get the correct replacement. Even if I have to buy a whole other set.
Thanks for the help
I am replacing the springs and retainers. I guess the best thing to do at this point is get the correct replacement. Even if I have to buy a whole other set.
Thanks for the help
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 27
From: Oxford PA
Spent an hour and a half after work today and I am glad to report.....SUCCESS!! I finally found the little guy in the collector part of my header. Where the 4 pipes come together.
I also ordered a better spring compressor that will bolt to the head and do two springs at once. The other crank style kept popping off.
Thanks for the input. Much appreciated!
I also ordered a better spring compressor that will bolt to the head and do two springs at once. The other crank style kept popping off.
Thanks for the input. Much appreciated!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Spent an hour and a half after work today and I am glad to report.....SUCCESS!! I finally found the little guy in the collector part of my header. Where the 4 pipes come together.
I also ordered a better spring compressor that will bolt to the head and do two springs at once. The other crank style kept popping off.
Thanks for the input. Much appreciated!
I also ordered a better spring compressor that will bolt to the head and do two springs at once. The other crank style kept popping off.
Thanks for the input. Much appreciated!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 27
From: Oxford PA
No. I ordered the one that bolts to the head and screws down to compress 2 springs at a time. I was using the claw type that you screw down. That is the style that popped off and lost the keeper. It is also really hard to use close to the firewall.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/tfs-90307/overview/
Hopefully this will make things easier.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/tfs-90307/overview/
Hopefully this will make things easier.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Unfortunately the claw type can scratch the valve spring surface finish which can lead to premature failure of the valve spring. You may want to look them over very closely prior to running the car.