SoCal69GT said:
That's great news that the heads doesn't need to be removed. That would be helpful too if you can give me some info on how to replace the seals. Thanks a lot.
Remove valve covers, remove spark plugs, label rocker arms and hardware and remove, to later be installed in the same location. You need a good quality valvespring compressor, I use a sears craftsman that has two fingers with hooks and threaded T handle bolt. Pretty self explanatory how to use it. Hook it onto the spring at the bottom, put the top part on the spring retainer plate, tighten it down, it compresses the spring, voila. Before compressing and removing the valvespring, you need a means of holding valves closed so they won't fall down into the cylinder. My technique involves the use of air pressure in the cylinder. I use an air compressor and a fitting that screws into the spark plug hole. The fittings can be bought off of the specialty rack at some parts stores, or you can get a compression tester kit, and use the fitting thats included, also use the short piece of air hose, they usually have a quick coupler that makes hooking your air compressor hose to it a snap. Now fill the cylinder with air pressure, 50-100 psi works well, don't be surprised if the engine turns over until the piston for the cylinder you're working is at the bottom of the bore. Put the valvespring compressor on and and compress the spring. You'll need to pop the valve locks (2 small C shaped tapered thingies) loose, normally a little tap with a screwdriver works well, then use some needle nose pliars to remove them from their seat in the valespring retainer. They are small, don't lose them. With the locks removed, the spring and retainer can be pulled off of the head. You need to keep air pressure in the cylinder during all this, leave the cylinder pressurized until both valvespring assemblies are re-installed. If you lose air pressue, the valves will fall down into the cylinder, then you'll have to pull the heads off to retrieve them. With the spring removed, all you have to do is pull the seal off of the valve and slide the new one on. With the valvespring still compressed, place it back on the head, decompress it slightly and re-install the valve locks. make sure the valve locks are seated properly, use the needle nose pliars to wiggle them into place. Full decompress the spring, and check again to make sure the locks are seated on the valve tip. Its pretty easy to get 'em right, but you want to make absolutely sure. Remove the air hose and pressure from cylinder. Re-install the appropriate rocker arm and hardware. After you do the first one, you'll be able to move along pretty good with the rest, its all simple and logical. Once all 16 seals are replaced, go back and set valve lash. Reinstall spark plugs, valve covers, etc.
