12 Sec GTA

Hey.. was changing my valve seals last night, and ran into a problem..

I was using a compressor with the spark plug fitting to keep the valve up, it was at 140psi in the line.

I removed the Rocker, removed the pushrod. I have the lever type valve spring compressor that uses the rocker stud and the bolt, and then goes ontop of the spring retainer and you pull the bar towards you to compress the spring. Whenever I would pull the bar towards me, the valve would go down with the spring, and the valve open allowing the air to rush out the exhaust, or through the intake, dependant upon which valve I'm working on. Am I doing something wrong? Or is it just that my valves are stuck to the retainers? Some input would be nice
thanks,
-ben

Guest

Take a 9/16" socket (or close to that) and put it on the retainer, make sure the piston is not up in the bore, and smack the socket with a hammer. You shouldnt have to hit it too hard. That will break the valve locks loose from the retainer, and then you can use the lever arm and take stuff apart.

12 Sec GTA

I'll give that a shot, thanks for the info.

ploegi

I ran into the same problem. However, I was using a "screw down" type spring compressor. (I love that thing....) I ended up tightening the spring compressor, and then tapping on the retainer with a small hammer to get them to release. The problem I saw was the old (extremely hard...) valve stem seal (oring) would not let go of the retainer. Such fun.

On a side note, I don't beleive how much better my car runs after doing the valve seals....... Dam......