stuck valve spring locks
stuck valve spring locks I've tried all the stuff i have to get them out but i cant get one loose. I tried hitting them w/ a dead blow hammer, a socket but nothing works. i'm useing the same tools i used to change them before. if its any help they are comp 918's w/ TI retainers and stock locks. I have the heads off the car right now so accessing them isnt a problem. any other tools you may suggest? Thanks for any help
JR
JR
ouch! if the heads are off the engine you'll need a valve spring compressor(head off type) pepboys $34.chances are your're using the wrong style spring compressor as the valves are opening while springs are being compressed.
Originally Posted by JRcamaroZ28
I've tried all the stuff i have to get them out but i cant get one loose. I tried hitting them w/ a dead blow hammer, a socket but nothing works. i'm useing the same tools i used to change them before. if its any help they are comp 918's w/ TI retainers and stock locks. I have the heads off the car right now so accessing them isnt a problem. any other tools you may suggest? Thanks for any help
JR
JR
i'm useing my t-handle spring comressor, same tool i used to take them off the last time w/ out any problems. i did try holding the valve in but to no success. i'm gonna run down to the parts store and get a head off type one. thats what i was figguring just didnt want to buy something i may have not needed.
JR
JR
Originally Posted by JRcamaroZ28
i'm useing my t-handle spring comressor, same tool i used to take them off the last time w/ out any problems. i did try holding the valve in but to no success. i'm gonna run down to the parts store and get a head off type one. thats what i was figguring just didnt want to buy something i may have not needed.
JR
JR
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: The South
I think the key is keeping the valve stem/locks centered in the retainer. I had a hard time at first while using a spring compressor rented from autozone. When I switched to a comp cams spring tool it was much easier to keep everything centered.
If you can compress the spring with everything centered and push/tap the valve up from below they should POP right off.
If you can compress the spring with everything centered and push/tap the valve up from below they should POP right off.
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Originally Posted by SUX2BU
its not rocket science.
JR
Originally Posted by JRcamaroZ28
no ****, i've done this many times before on all types of heads and never had them stick like this before.
JR
JR
Originally Posted by Cal
Are the heads still on the car? If so, put the piston at TDC, then just compress the spring until the piston hits the valve and it will pop loose.
This really isnt that difficult. Its simple physics. OR he's yanking our chain here.
i'll get them apart tonight or tomorrow for sure when i get time. i got a different spring compressor to do the job. like i said before i kept the valve up to no help. I have done it this way before just this one time i had the problem. getting to the point i'm sorry i even asked.
and why the hell would i be yanking your chains on this? i have better things to be doing than making up stories on the internet.
JR
and why the hell would i be yanking your chains on this? i have better things to be doing than making up stories on the internet.
JR
here's the tool i used when i had my heads off, my uncle turned it down at work on a lathe and it works awesome.......and it was FREEEEEEEE 
all you do is chuck it up into a drill press, then place the head on somthing soft (and at an angle such that the valve points straight up) on the drill press base. you can adjust the height of the tool by sliding it up and down in the chuck. once you get the head where you want it, you pull down on the drill press handle and it smashes the spring straight down and it's easy to hold and nice and smooth. if you have a buddy ( like blaSSt
), things will go even easier 
all you do is chuck it up into a drill press, then place the head on somthing soft (and at an angle such that the valve points straight up) on the drill press base. you can adjust the height of the tool by sliding it up and down in the chuck. once you get the head where you want it, you pull down on the drill press handle and it smashes the spring straight down and it's easy to hold and nice and smooth. if you have a buddy ( like blaSSt
), things will go even easier 
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Portland Oregon
I had the same problem, could not get the compressor to break them loose. I have a valve spring compessor that looks like a huge C clamp. I tighten it up on the retainer and the other on the valve head. It won't break it loose, but I clamp it down until it has a lot of pressure on the retainer and spring. When it is tight, I give the compressor a whack with a plastic hammer right on top of the retainer, works every time.
IF the valves have floated a time or two the locks get a little tougher to get off.Get
a socket that is slightly smaller than the retainer od hit it sharply with a brass hammer
to lossen the locks,remove as usual.
a socket that is slightly smaller than the retainer od hit it sharply with a brass hammer
to lossen the locks,remove as usual.