C7 Tech/Performance Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Valve spring replacement.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 8, 2026 | 08:05 PM
  #1  
kodpkd's Avatar
kodpkd
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,396
Likes: 2,130
From: Loveland
Default Valve spring replacement.

I will be replacing my valve springs soon. I am going to hook up my compressor with 150 psi, to the spark plug hole. Has anybody ever had a valve drop into the cylinder using that much pressure?
Reply
Old May 9, 2026 | 09:01 AM
  #2  
Dcasole's Avatar
Dcasole
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 8,669
Likes: 2,724
From: Atlanta GA
Default

Did it many times , never dropped one ....
Dave
Reply
Old May 9, 2026 | 09:07 AM
  #3  
kodpkd's Avatar
kodpkd
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,396
Likes: 2,130
From: Loveland
Default

Thank you. Did you keep the piston at, top dead center?

Last edited by kodpkd; May 9, 2026 at 09:30 AM.
Reply
Old May 9, 2026 | 01:38 PM
  #4  
Dcasole's Avatar
Dcasole
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 8,669
Likes: 2,724
From: Atlanta GA
Default

Originally Posted by kodpkd
Thank you. Did you keep the piston at, top dead center?
I did not because it depends on what type of "keeper" release tool you are using. I used a spring compressor that does not place any load on the retainer or the valve , I did not spin the crank at all using this type as I was confident that the air would hold up the valve and it was much easier because I did not have to bring each piston up to TDC , See below

But some of the others are like a lever that push down on the top of retainer to release the keepers , if you are using one of those I would spin the crank if you are worried about dropping a valve

I have 20,000 on my new engine so i am probably going to be doing the same soon

Good Luck ,
Dave


Reply
Old May 9, 2026 | 05:50 PM
  #5  
kodpkd's Avatar
kodpkd
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,396
Likes: 2,130
From: Loveland
Default

Good, thank you. that's the one I got.
Reply
Old May 9, 2026 | 09:18 PM
  #6  
ball-z's Avatar
ball-z
Instructor
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 145
Likes: 22
Default

once you put air into the cylinder it is going to push the piston to the bottom it wont matter if it starts at tdc just dont loose air pressure or the valve will drop
Reply
Old May 9, 2026 | 09:27 PM
  #7  
Dcasole's Avatar
Dcasole
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 8,669
Likes: 2,724
From: Atlanta GA
Default

Originally Posted by ball-z
once you put air into the cylinder it is going to push the piston to the bottom it wont matter if it starts at tdc just dont loose air pressure or the valve will drop
hmmmm never had that happen

Dave
Reply
Old May 9, 2026 | 09:38 PM
  #8  
Eli-Z06's Avatar
Eli-Z06
Pro
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 703
Likes: 89
From: Eastern Pa
Default

The piston will not move when you put air into the cylinder.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-4

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-5

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
Old May 9, 2026 | 10:33 PM
  #9  
kodpkd's Avatar
kodpkd
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,396
Likes: 2,130
From: Loveland
Default

I'm sure it's important to be sure the piston is centered, TDC perfectly.
Reply
Old May 9, 2026 | 10:52 PM
  #10  
Eli-Z06's Avatar
Eli-Z06
Pro
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 703
Likes: 89
From: Eastern Pa
Default

It's important to keep constant air in the cylinder while changing the springs...!!! If it makes you feel more comfortable, you can definitely put the pistons at Top Dead Center, however it's not necessary. I've done it many times over the past 25 years.
Reply
Old Yesterday | 08:29 AM
  #11  
Dcasole's Avatar
Dcasole
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 8,669
Likes: 2,724
From: Atlanta GA
Default

Originally Posted by Eli-Z06
It's important to keep constant air in the cylinder while changing the springs...!!! If it makes you feel more comfortable, you can definitely put the pistons at Top Dead Center, however it's not necessary. I've done it many times over the past 25 years.
Yep , same here .....

Even if you remove all the sparkplugs ... 100 to 160 pounds of air will NOT push the piston down lol lol

Dave
Reply
Old Yesterday | 04:01 PM
  #12  
Gearhead Jim's Avatar
Gearhead Jim
Team Owner
Supporting Member
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 24,985
Likes: 2,691
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Default

Originally Posted by Dcasole
I did not because it depends on what type of "keeper" release tool you are using. I used a spring compressor that does not place any load on the retainer or the valve , I did not spin the crank at all using this type as I was confident that the air would hold up the valve and it was much easier because I did not have to bring each piston up to TDC , See below

But some of the others are like a lever that push down on the top of retainer to release the keepers , if you are using one of those I would spin the crank if you are worried about dropping a valve

I have 20,000 on my new engine so i am probably going to be doing the same soon

Good Luck ,
Dave
What is the issue that makes you want to change the springs on your "new engine"?
Reply
Old Yesterday | 04:24 PM
  #13  
Dcasole's Avatar
Dcasole
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 8,669
Likes: 2,724
From: Atlanta GA
Default

Originally Posted by Gearhead Jim
What is the issue that makes you want to change the springs on your "new engine"?
Jim , I drive my car everywhere plus I race it. I just dont trust the springs , original motor popped a yellow spring at around 30,000 miles and I am at 64,000 , and while they are blues ..... I am a little bit worried

Dave
Reply
Old Yesterday | 06:12 PM
  #14  
Eli-Z06's Avatar
Eli-Z06
Pro
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 703
Likes: 89
From: Eastern Pa
Default

If you have an upgraded cam, you race it, and hit high RPM, it's always a good idea to change valve springs around 15,000, miles. On my drag car that makes 900 horsepower, and sees 8,000 RPM, I change valve springs every 250 passes. On my street car that makes 750 NA horsepower, every 15,000 mi they will be changed. If you break a valve spring and don't catch it in time, you'll most likely wipe out the lifter and possibly camshaft, that is if you are running double valve springs like I always do! Obviously if you're running single valve springs a broken valve spring equals a broken motor!
Reply
Old Yesterday | 07:29 PM
  #15  
kodpkd's Avatar
kodpkd
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,396
Likes: 2,130
From: Loveland
Default

Driver side almost ready to pull the springs. I was surprised how clean it is. The rods look very clean.




Reply
Old Today | 09:48 AM
  #16  
kodpkd's Avatar
kodpkd
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,396
Likes: 2,130
From: Loveland
Default

I tested the air hose hooked up to cylinder 1, all I got was air bypassing the valves. Obviously, the piston needs to be in a specific position. I get the correct wrench today to adjust the crank position. The piston needs to be on the power stroke with both valves closed. Looking at the pushrods, both would be full down.
Reply
Old Today | 10:18 AM
  #17  
Gearhead Jim's Avatar
Gearhead Jim
Team Owner
Supporting Member
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 24,985
Likes: 2,691
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Default

Originally Posted by kodpkd
Driver side almost ready to pull the springs. I was surprised how clean it is. The rods look very clean.


That engine does look really clean inside.
Can you tell us how many years/miles, and what oil and change intervals you use?
Thanks.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Valve spring replacement.

Old Today | 10:45 AM
  #18  
kodpkd's Avatar
kodpkd
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,396
Likes: 2,130
From: Loveland
Default

2014 with 38,000 miles. Mobil 1 0W-40 Supercar oil. Changed every year. I put about 4000 miles a year on the car, so I just do it yearly.
I don't use Top Tier gas, that has the required, extra cleaning agents in it, so I use a few ounces of Techron fuel system cleaner every time I fill up.

Last edited by kodpkd; Today at 10:54 AM.
Reply
Old Today | 12:05 PM
  #19  
Gearhead Jim's Avatar
Gearhead Jim
Team Owner
Supporting Member
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 24,985
Likes: 2,691
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Default

Originally Posted by kodpkd
2014 with 38,000 miles. Mobil 1 0W-40 Supercar oil. Changed every year. I put about 4000 miles a year on the car, so I just do it yearly.
I don't use Top Tier gas, that has the required, extra cleaning agents in it, so I use a few ounces of Techron fuel system cleaner every time I fill up.

Thanks for the info, your technique is obviously keeping things clean. I follow the OLI or a little more often if the timing is more convenient, and that gets me a change every 4k-6k miles, so about twice per year.
Currently at 66k miles. I'll be pleased if mine is as clean as yours but hoping to never find out. I too switched to the 0W-40 when it was approved, since I do autocross and an occasional track day.

Last edited by Gearhead Jim; Today at 12:13 PM.
Reply
Old Today | 12:24 PM
  #20  
Eli-Z06's Avatar
Eli-Z06
Pro
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 703
Likes: 89
From: Eastern Pa
Default Valve position

Yes, obviously the Valves need to be closed when we insert air into the cylinders before changes springs!...
Good job doing your own maintenance! ...👍🏻👊🏻🏁🏁
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:29 PM.

story-0
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE