Stuck valve spring retainers
#1523470
10/26/13 12:20 AM
10/26/13 12:20 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,221
Jarrettsville, MD
tywebb2
OP
super gas
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OP
super gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,221
Jarrettsville, MD
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I am trying to install new valve springs with the heads on the engine. I am using compressed air and one of the jaws type spring compressors with the knob on top to turn to compress the spring.
Problem is when I have the spring compressed the retainer and locks don't break free from the valve stem. I have tried tapping the top of the spring compressor with a dead blow hammer but that only worked to break free a couple of them. Do you guys have any other ideas for me? I really don't want to pull the heads.
By the way, these are BB eddy heads that are very clean so it isn't like things are shellac'd up.
'72 440 Cuda
11.673 @ 115.91 w/1.663 60'
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Re: Stuck valve spring retainers
[Re: tywebb2]
#1523471
10/26/13 12:30 AM
10/26/13 12:30 AM
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,506
Az
Crizila
master
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master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,506
Az
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I use a dead blow or plastic hammer on the retainer edge before I even try to compress the springs. Just keep tapping the retainer until it makes a different noise ( valve doesn't jump off the seat ). Then you will have no problem with the spring compressor.
Fastest 300
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Re: Stuck valve spring retainers
[Re: tywebb2]
#1523474
10/26/13 08:55 AM
10/26/13 08:55 AM
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 21,345
Marysville, O-H-I-O
70Cuda383
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 21,345
Marysville, O-H-I-O
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rubber shot filled mallet is how I've always done it.
try spraying the retainer/locks with WD40, PB blaster, etc.?
**Photobucket sucks**
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Re: Stuck valve spring retainers
[Re: Crizila]
#1523475
10/26/13 09:07 AM
10/26/13 09:07 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,074
Niles , Ohio
therocks
oh wait.but hey.lets see.oh yeah.
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oh wait.but hey.lets see.oh yeah.
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,074
Niles , Ohio
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Sometimes that compressor wont fully release the keepers.You might also have to turn it and the spring some.Ive had some that i had to push it sideways to release the keepers.That and try spraying them with some brake cleaner.They might have gunk built up on them.Rocky
Chrysler Firepower
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Re: Stuck valve spring retainers
[Re: Cab_Burge]
#1523479
10/26/13 11:51 PM
10/26/13 11:51 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,221
Jarrettsville, MD
tywebb2
OP
super gas
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OP
super gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,221
Jarrettsville, MD
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Thanks for the help guys. I was able to get them switched out this morning relatively easily. I put a little brake cleaner on the locks to soak overnight and then used a punch and deadblow hammer to tap the locks at 12, 6, 3, and 9 o'clock. By the time I made it around I heard the sound change as you mentioned and it was smooth sailing from there.
Thanks for the offer to borrow your spring compressor Ron but I was able to manage with the one I had.
Hopefully I can get everything else back together tomorrow and see if these springs do the trick.
'72 440 Cuda
11.673 @ 115.91 w/1.663 60'
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Re: Stuck valve spring retainers
[Re: B G Racing]
#1523481
10/27/13 08:44 PM
10/27/13 08:44 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,544
Syracuse,NY
CompWedgeEngines
master
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master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,544
Syracuse,NY
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Quote:
Just take the appropiate size deepwell socket and a brass hammer and give each spring a wack to free up the locks.I would be cautious hitting the retainer on the edge you might screw something up or loose an eye.  Hitting it square all around is the best and easest. 
Do not hit the retainers on the sides. Do as Bob says and use a deepwell socket. I use a impact socket, as its a bit heavier and wont bounce as much. You also most likely have some sort of valvetrain problem that is causing the locks to be so stuck ( quite possibly micro welding)in the first place. Just be careful as to not hit SO hard, that you release the retainer and locks all at once, and have them go flying either on the floor or into the engine somewhere.
RIP Monte Smith
Your work is a reflection of yourself, autograph it with quality.
WD for Diamond Pistons,Sidewinder cylinder heads, Wiseco, K1 rods and cranks,BAM lifters, Morel lifters, Molnar Technologies, Harland Sharp, Pro Gear, Cometic, King Engine Bearings and many others.
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Don't wail on it 
