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