mjs1012

iTrader: (36)

Which method do you find easier to do? Im going to be doing my cam swap soon and am trying to figure out which way would be best. Im changing everything on the valve (seals, seats, retainers, locks) if it makes a difference.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

The dowel method is the easiest. Even using air, you still need to put the piston at TDC as a failsafe.

mjs1012

iTrader: (36)

What's the dowel method? I've never heard of that before.

mkvamso

iTrader: (2)

Ive always done it tdc, never had a problem. Compressed air method might add a bit of security if your not sure, just seems like it would take longer since your rotating it anyway.

autogeek23

iTrader: (13)

i always did the tdc method

mjs1012

iTrader: (36)

Ill try using the TDC method and put some rope in the spark plug hole so the valve doesnt drop at all.

S10xGN

iTrader: (11)

This works best and is fail-safe. I've used air before, but the cylinder better be spot-on TDC or it will rotate!

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Brain fart, dowel method for holding the lifters up. It was late

mjs1012

iTrader: (36)

That's what I figured you meant lol. Now for that, Which type of dowel do you like to use better, wooden or metal? 5/16" or 3/8"?

Pharcyde50

iTrader: (11)

Just used air here to do my springs. Was easy and quick.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

I use TDC and rope to hold the valves shut. Helps when the retainer is stuck. Last time I used air I lost pressure and there was a hole where the valve was, ended up pulling the head. I prefer TDC as a result.

mjs1012

iTrader: (36)

Thats one thing I was worried about with air holding up the valves is the psi falling during it and the valve falling.

93civEJ1

iTrader: (1)

seems like getting rope in the spark plug holes on these cars would be a pain in the ***? Is it not? The last car I did a rope trick on I was dropping the rope in from the top the engine. Not the sides.

mjs1012

iTrader: (36)

Why do you think it'll he hard? Feed rope through the spark plug holes of the 2 pistons that are at tdc. The only difficult cylinder might be #8 because its behind the header tube. What kind of motor did you do it through the top?

slt200mph

iTrader: (42)

If you are at TDC you do not need the rope. The piston at TDC is out of the hole and the valve cannot drop down in the cylinder. The rope is just extra work. I've been using the DTC method for 50 years without a problem.

S10xGN

iTrader: (11)

Wow, 50 years, you got me beat. I've been working on them 45 years... Believe me, if you've ever had one on air pressure "roll over" from not being exactly on TDC when you're elbow deep in it, you'll immediately make the switch to rope. Nothing scarier than **** moving unexpectedly when you're inches from it!

slt200mph

iTrader: (42)

As I said you do not need rope if your at TDC. You don't need compressed air either. Started doing this hot rodding thing in 1961 so it has been a little more than 50 years...set NHRA national records along the way too....... This ain't rocket science it's just phuchin hot rodding ... keeping it as simple as possible is always your best move..

RezinTexas

here's a pic of the valve hitting the piston at TDC, no way for it to fall in.

35thredz

iTrader: (5)

TDC method and/or use pen magnets for extra insurance if you need.

Quicker, easier, and a lot less hassle than air and really no chance for a screw up!

99wssixm6

iTrader: (3)

Iv always used air because it really helps with a stuck keeper or a if the valve drops down like the pic above you will have a hard time fighting a "floating" valve. As far as the crank turning when air is applied, if you aren't a re re and leave the breaker bar on the crank bolt it makes no difference at all. Who cares if the rotating assembly moves....it wont hit you...I promise lol

You will hear all sorts of hissing coming thru the holes in the head that lead to the bottom end. That is normal as it is blowing past the rings.

And as a side note I always take a larger socket suck as a 3/4 or so and place it on the edges of the retainer and smack it with a hammer. This sorta shocks the keeper to release it being stuck to the retainer. Iv never had one fly off or any crazy stuff like that.

Just like a earlier post. Its just hot rodding.....dont over think a valve spring.