Experience with valve springs??

W

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Sep 11, 2005

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Yay Area, California

Mar 15, 2009

#1

• Mar 15, 2009

• #1

I need to change a Valve Spring. So I am looking at picking one up. Would it be a bad choice to get one from somewhere other than Ford? This is for my 94 cobra. Also I am gonna change it without removing the head. This is the first time I have tried the air compressor pump air into the block method. WIll it work? Kinda skeptical. But I have talked to people who have done. Any experience appreciated.

FYI, looks to be a floated valve, that lead to this.

 

rd

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Jan 12, 2000

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Ocean Springs MS

Mar 15, 2009

#2

• Mar 15, 2009

• #2

If you are going to change just one, and it has stock Ford springs, that would be a good place to get one. Eiher way it will probably never cause you a problem.

The air hold technique works, assuming the valve is not bent and will still seal.

Put the cylinder you are working on at tdc, so the valve can't fall through, put the air on, leave the compressor connected and press on.

You will need a decent valve spring compressor, I use the handwheel style.

Did a whole set this way on a Plymouth Voyager back in the day.

 

W

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Sep 11, 2005

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Mar 15, 2009

#3

• Mar 15, 2009

• #3

sweet so it will work. I just never heard of doing it that way. I think I will hold out and get a set from Ford. I was just wondering if there was a quality issue or a fitting issue. Do you or anyone happen to know the name of the tool that connects to my air compressor and into the spark plug hole? I am assuming it would resemble a compression tester just without the meter on it?

Thanks

Am I assuming too much? But I was not able to pull the assemble (spring, seal, keeper) out manually, so I assumed nothing was broke there. Also the push rod was good and straight no damage. Rocker showed some signs of slap. But they were faint. I am trying to avoid a tear down and just replace the spring. Any advice on some other stuff I should look at? Or tests to run? The upper intake is already off the car and so is the valve cover.

 

W

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Mar 17, 2009

#4

• Mar 17, 2009

• #4

Just need a wee bit more advice....See questions above.

 

capriman86

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Nov 13, 2005

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N.Smithfield, RI

Mar 17, 2009

#5

• Mar 17, 2009

• #5

My buddy just helped me do my valve seals, we didn't move any to TDC, just put the air to each cylinder and went at it.

I also just rented the valve spring tool from autozone.

You can use this from harbor freight if you have one near you.

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

Or this from amazon
Amazon.com: Lisle 19700 14mm and 18mm Air Operated Valve Holder: Automotive

 

95Vert383AOD

15 Year Member

Jun 10, 2008

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New Bedford, MA

Mar 17, 2009

#6

• Mar 17, 2009

• #6

Whatever you do....don't turn the air compressor off!!! A friend of mine did this because he wanted his other friend who was changing valve seals to hear a song on the radio. Then i heard a bunch of cussing when the valve fell. That requires removing the head, unless youre slick enough to use a coat hanger. But the point is "DON'T TURN THE COMPRESSOR OFF"

 

joel5.0

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Jun 15, 2004

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Puerto Rico

Mar 17, 2009

#7

• Mar 17, 2009

• #7

You can also follow the "rope method"...... LUK

 

W

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Mar 17, 2009

#8

• Mar 17, 2009

• #8

Thanks GUYS!!!.....I do have a harbor freight right by me actually. One more question. I have a Air Compressor that I think caps out a 220 psi. Would that be sufficient? Oh yea and thanks for the dont turn off AC advice...lol

 

capriman86

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Nov 13, 2005

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N.Smithfield, RI

Mar 18, 2009

#9

• Mar 18, 2009

• #9

Did mine at 90psi I believe