valve spring replacement

stevesLX

Member
Nov 12, 2006
373
0
16
cincinnati
I need to change my valve springs. The kit that crane cams told me I needed is for stock heads running a bigger cam. This is a 302 stock heads pedastal mount. I have never done this before. Is there anyone out there that has and can give me some instructions on how to do this. I am going to do this on the car. I know I need compressed air which I have a air compressor but beyond that I dont even know where to start at or what kinda tools I need
 
Well you can do this on the car with the compressed air setup but it will be a little more difficult. I think you will need to find a threaded fitting to actually screw into the spark plug whole to pressurize the cylinder. You are going to need to spin the motor by hand to remove only the springs on closed valves (obviously)...You will need a spring compressor tool. They can be rented from autozone, but they generally arent very good so be careful. You will need to pressurize the cylinder, compress the spring, and then remove the locks with a magnet or screwdriver. they may be difficult to get off so dont be afraid to get a little rough with them...as long as your getting new ones with your spring kit. Be careful not to damage the valve stem. Check all your valve seals and replace if necessary. I think that the newer Viton material is better than the stock pieces...a little more pricey, but well worth it. Make sure when you disassemble the valvetrain you keep everything neat and organized and make sure to keep the pushrods, rockers, plates all matched up (personal opinion). You should have a chilton's manual with you at all times for proper timing and valve sequences as well as torque settings. Once everything is apart just reverse the proceedure. take your time and you should be able to complete this well within a day! I know this is a horrible description but without writing a novel...this is the cliffs notes version.
 
Just fyi when you go to get the valve spring compressor, you'll need the overhead style. Like the one here: http://imageserver.isnweb.com/KDT3271.jpg
Autozone sells them for less than $15. Not sure, but I think the only one they rent is the style that would need the heads off of the car. Also, they sell the threaded fittings in the "Help" section. They fit the standard 1/4" NPT hookups for you compressor.

Best of luck
 
If you decide to pressurize the cylinders, be careful because it will push the piston down and turn the motor over. I rested a breaker bar against the ac compressor to keep the motor from turning.