Hi,

Trying to do a low buck refresh of a '86 318 for an occasional use truck. I'm trying to replace the valve stem seals (heads on the block) with a spring compressor, but the retainers seem stuck in the spring keeper even with the spring compressed.

I'm thinking they are varnished in there with the oil and heat over the years. Anybody used any good techniques to grab the spring retainers to remove the valve spring? I'm using an air compressor to try to keep pressure in the cylinder (closing the valve), but can't win.

Is there some trick I don't know. Any help appreciated.

Thanks! JK

mity225@mchsi.com

I always whack the corner of retainer a few times with a small hammer to break them loose beforehand. It is common for them to be stuck.

Give each retainer a slight whack with a hammer, then when you compress the spring the retainer should come loose from the locks.

Great suggestions. I didn't use the hammer right. I tried to use a screwdriver to jam the retainer. I like the socket idea.

While finding this post, I found this one too that had some good ideas: https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=6115762&Main=6115249

I'll try it this weekend. Thanks, JK

I usually hit them with a small hammer first.Then when I compress the spring I have a small pick and a small extendable magnet.Both come in handy especially with my bad hands from 40 years of wrenching.One usually comes right out and you have to turn and play with the second one.Dont forget to have the piston all the way up and air or rope in the cylinder.Rocky