I am still new when it comes to get hands down in grease and oil, so help me out some. I am replacing a spring that busted on my 350 TPI and need to know what i need to cahnge the springs? Any help and advice would be greatly apreciated.

 

a valve spring compressor and a set of sae sockets and a rachet to fit the sockets,and a set of allen wrences.

1) remove valve cover with the coresponding allen wrench.

2)Remove Rocker arm.

3)compress valve spring using the spring compressor.

4)remove spring retainer locks.

5)remove spring.

reassembly is as order reversed but compress spring befor reinstalling retainer locks.

 

I have a valve spring compressor from sears, I think it was about $15.
There are a few different types of spring compressors. Some work with the heads still mounted on the engine, and others you have to have the heads removed.
Do some shopping... or maybe someone will post pics of the type you need.

 

yeah i would love to get some that would allow me to take the spring off while the heads are still on. I am hoping to get this done tomorow so that i can go to the track tomorow.

 

yeah i would love to get some that would allow me to take the spring off while the heads are still on. I am hoping to get this done tomorow so that i can go to the track tomorow.

 

If you have a deadline, just go to the parts store (or sears) and ask for a spring compressor that can be used without removing the heads.
Practice on a scrap head a few times til you feel good about it... Then go for it.

Oh and be sure the valve doesn't fall down into the cyl when you remove the keepers.
There's a special trick to that. I'll let someone else explain. I'm late for work.

 

The cheap one from sears looks like a handle, with a hole in it for mounting on the rocker stud. It works fine, but you need to remove the spark plug and fill the cylinder with compressed air to remove the spring. A hose from a compression tester kit works great. Be sure and remove the check valve in the hose before installing it.

Are the springs real old? If so I hope you are planning on replacing them all, not just the one that broke.

 

yes the springs are all old, maybe even factory, and yes i am only replcing the one, but hear me out! LOL...i have a 350 TPI i am building and this one wont be in to much longer, so this is just a quick fix to stretch it alittle longer till i get finished with the 350

 

$15 Sears jobber:



You need an adapter for an air line and a source of air to keep the valve up and make everything easier.

IIRC 86 doesn't have centerbolt heads so you need the appropriate socket to remove your v/c bolts.

Do you know why it broke yet? That is the important question here.

 

Use some rope if you don't have an air compressor.

The $15 spring compressor sucks, btw, but it'll get the job done...slowly. Wear eye protection with that compressor, the springs can pop out.

Before you compress the spring, bang straight down on the spring (lightly) with a socket and a rubber mallot to break the keepers from the retainer. It tends to stick over time and needs help coming free.