Valve spring replacement labor? $$$$$

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Oct 14, 2017 | 07:02 PM

#21

ZO6comm2679

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Joined: Jun 2017

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jpb1978

So what pressure do you use? 30 psi? I don't want to spin the engine with to much air.

i used between 80 and 90 psi. The air would push each piston to the bottom of its stroke, but that's all.

Oct 14, 2017 | 07:50 PM

#22

dood73

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Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 243

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From: New Jersey

Quote:

Originally Posted by vettenuts

With the LS1, you don't need a compressor. Set the piston at TDC and the valves will only drop 1/8". This is a very easy motor to swap springs and seals on and it's kind of a fun job. Of course no tools or place to work puts a wrinkle on it.

I just finished this job. I have no garage and no air compressor. The TDC method worked very well. Using a wood dowel it was easy to tell when the piston was at the top of the cylinder.

While working on the driver's side, I was able to use the alternator to turn the motor. On the passenger's side, I turned the motor with a 24mm offset box wrench. Either way I was able to turn with one hand, and feel the dowel movement with the other.

The valve drop was minimal. It actually came in handy when reinserting the valve locks. Pull up the valve, get the two locks in place, and let it fall 1/8" to hold it while you work on the other one, or when you start to back off the spring compressor.

Oct 15, 2017 | 11:53 PM

#23

laurent_zo6

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St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22

Quote:

Originally Posted by AwesomeC5

I got a quote from a Chicago area performance shop to replace valve springs and valve seals (labor only) $940. OUCH!!

Unfortunately, I don't have the space to try and tackle this.

It's a rip off. You should not pay more than $400 for labor.

Oct 16, 2017 | 10:50 AM

#24

AwesomeC5

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Joined: May 2006

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From: Chicago IL 2002 Quicksilver Z06

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurent_zo6

It's a rip off. You should not pay more than $400 for labor.

Agreed. I thought 6.8 hours at $130/hour was nuts.

Anyone know of some reputable shops in the Chicago area?

Oct 17, 2017 | 04:00 PM

#25

socal_Dad

Racer

Joined: Jun 2017

Posts: 279

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From: Southern CA

Just curious if you have checked to see if you have yellow springs in there? Is it possible that they were already done?

Oct 17, 2017 | 05:01 PM

#26

AwesomeC5

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From: Chicago IL 2002 Quicksilver Z06

Quote:

Originally Posted by socal_Dad

Just curious if you have checked to see if you have yellow springs in there? Is it possible that they were already done?

I will double check tonight. I have read that I can look down the oil filler cylinder to see the springs. Is that true?

Oct 17, 2017 | 05:03 PM

#27

socal_Dad

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Joined: Jun 2017

Posts: 279

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From: Southern CA

I didn't try that so I can't say for sure. But I can tell you that with a 10mm socket you can have the passenger side valve cover off in 10 minutes and get a much better look.

Oct 17, 2017 | 07:48 PM

#28

~~ArmchairArchitect~~

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From: Philadelphia PA (Birthplace of the USA, UNESCO World Heritage City)

Quote:

Originally Posted by AwesomeC5

I will double check tonight. I have read that I can look down the oil filler cylinder to see the springs. Is that true?

Hard to see with just your own eyes, but I used a USB endoscope camera I put down the oil filler neck to check out the springs. Bought the camera for $7 shipped on ebay and connected it to my PC. You might be able to get away with using a tiny mirror on the end of a stick.