replace valve springs or send it ?
replace valve springs or send it ? 
Quick question I built this motor 5 years ago set it into the car and then Life .
Do I need to change the valve springs after sitting for 5 year ? Motor was built and has never turned over . I think I should but want other opinions .
Well I take it that you went ahead and torqued all the rockers down loading up the springs where they sat compressed for all these years. If it's still on the stand then I'd probably replace them or at least pressure check them. Anytime your gonna leave a fresh motor sit for long periods of time it's best to back off all the rocker arms.
My 383 LS1 sat 7 years due to life and the valve springs were OK. Hydraulic roller lifters.
If it has solid roller lifters I'd definitely change the valve springs. Hydraulic roller lifters, the springs are probably OK.
However, valve springs aren't that expensive so for peace of mind it may be worth changing them.
If it has solid roller lifters I'd definitely change the valve springs. Hydraulic roller lifters, the springs are probably OK.
However, valve springs aren't that expensive so for peace of mind it may be worth changing them.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 644
Likes: 575
From: Carnation, WA
Well I take it that you went ahead and torqued all the rockers down loading up the springs where they sat compressed for all these years. If it's still on the stand then I'd probably replace them or at least pressure check them. Anytime your gonna leave a fresh motor sit for long periods of time it's best to back off all the rocker arms.
To all the nay say's out there "I've been running on the same valve springs forever" you can do whatever tickles your fancy.
You want to take chances then have at it and when you float a valve or worse drop one I'll be the first to say I told you.
You want to take chances then have at it and when you float a valve or worse drop one I'll be the first to say I told you.
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No sure about remaining available spring pressure, but I second the rust statement. I was rebuilding Kohler V-twin zero turn mower engines for a while, and reused some valve springs that had surface rust on them. The engine ate a valve later that summer, I warrantied repaired it, and found the valve spring broke right at a pit formed by the rust. Real stuff. And those have like no pressure to them, can nearly compress by hand.
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Verdad Gallardo If theyre a good name spring, run them. Different situation, but I've run my PAC springs for almost 8 years, 33,000+ miles. This with 2 cams over the years, one with .645"lift, new one with .600" lift. Still working well. Point being many suggest changing long before 33,000 miles. I'll have close to 40,000 miles on them by the end of May of this year, and I have no plans on changing them then, either.......
No I am with you I can do them for about $200 myself
cheap insurance
At least take the valve covers off and inspect them. If there is no sign of corrosion, run it. If there is rust, trash em.
Weakened springs causes a loss of control with the valves and this is not something that can pass a visual. Why not do it correctly by pressure testing them to insure they're up to the task and replace them if necessary or just replace them. It's cheap insurance and peace of mind.
...... grinder11
Poking fun at somenone who had an engine grenade on them isn't funny and it's certtainly not who I am. As for the valve springs there hasn't been any heat cycles ran through them and they're likely okay but I still recommend checking them. Otherwise it will be in the back of your mind as to how long before I really do need to change them and from what I've gathered so far the engine is on an engine stand.
Poking fun at somenone who had an engine grenade on them isn't funny and it's certtainly not who I am. As for the valve springs there hasn't been any heat cycles ran through them and they're likely okay but I still recommend checking them. Otherwise it will be in the back of your mind as to how long before I really do need to change them and from what I've gathered so far the engine is on an engine stand.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 22,298
Likes: 3,619
From: Central Cal.
That attitude will certainly win you many popularity contests!! The last thing anybody wants to hear about anything is a bunch of I told you so's!!! Especially when they're standing over a blown engine. Its one thing if they cry about their springs "only" lasting 50,000 miles/8 years. It's another to stick them in the *** when they're down......
......