Changing valve springs with the head on. (You cheeky gits!)

Kev · Post by **Kev** » Wed Jul 14, 04 6:07 pm

Guy very kindly donated some stronger valve springs to the Taxi's quest for more revs, so it was time for some spannering.
First disconnect the battery and take out all the spark plugs then remove the rocker gear and push rods (after destroying your rocker cover gaskets!) Next make sure the piston is down the bore of the cylinder you are working on. Push a load of rope down the bore (in one length!) then turn the engine over (by hand!) until the rope bunches up and you can't turn it any further. Get a socket over the valve spring reatainer cup and give it a whack with a hammer (a deep socket will save some cussing!) If you have big ears like me you will notice a change in the sound of the whack when the keepers have "un-locked". If your existing springs are well worn out the keepers might even fly out! Maybe block the pushrod holes if you are worried about this! Next de-rocker your rocker shaft and fabricate a tool using an old rocker, a washer and a length of rod. (put a bit of a curve on the washer with yer hammer so it "rocks" on the valve with the angle of the dangle);
(should be a pic of a tool here but I don't know how to put it here; HELP!)
Put it on the rocker shaft and bolt this down either side of the cylinder you are working on. Pull down on the lever, if the keepers don't free off, give it a tap under pressure with yer hammer. Lift the keepers out carefully with yer long nose pliers, then let the tension off. Change the spring then lever down again, fit the keepers, job done!
(pic of tool in action)
Rotate the engine backwards (after doing the other valve on that cylinder!) and remove the rope. If the rope is stuck tap the head of the valve whilst pulling, it may have got stuck under the valve. Finally give all the valve heads a tap with yer hammer just to make sure the keepers are seated. This also works for changing valve stem oil seals. Handy Hint; keep the new and old springs separate to stop you having to do things twice.

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Wed Jul 14, 04 9:01 pm

Now I was really interested to see how you got the valves out ! what a disapointment

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Wed Jul 14, 04 9:50 pm

Yeah that confused me too!

Guy · Post by **Guy** » Wed Jul 14, 04 10:16 pm

Glad that you have got them fitted Kev, whith the new found rpm and the fuel system you are fitting you maybe knocking on the 12's. Who needs big blocks 8)

Good to see the spell check is working well

MrNorm · Post by **MrNorm** » Wed Jul 14, 04 10:16 pm

Looks familar!!