I'm in the process of removing the heads from my L98. The heads are trick flow installed by a previous owner. I have been able to get all of the bolts removed except one. Two of the valve springs are almost against the bolt so the socket won't fit. I need a little guidance on removing the springs. I've seen several different types of spring compressors but they seem to require the head being removed. Since that isn't possible, I'm not sure what the appropriate tool/method would be. Any help is appreciated.

Steve

 

Turn the engine to where that piston is TDC.

Stuff a few feet of 3.8" nylon rope into the cyl through the spark plug hole.

Put about a ¾" socket on the retainer and whap it real good with a BFH. Like you mean it, but not like you intend to kill it. Might want to put a towel or something over it, because otherwise the keepers will fly out and get lost.

 

^ This is the cool way to do it. But you might want to consider using a spring compressor. They are about $15 for a simple "L" shaped one.

 

Just a cheap lever-style spring compressor that pivots on the rocker stud will do fine. Used mine so many times for stuff like this (and replacing guide seals) it's disgusting. Give the retainers a few good whacks with a mallet to loosen the locks before attempting to use the spring compressor is very helpful.

I usually run compressed air in the cylinder to hold the valves up while doing this. But if you don't have access to air roll it up to TDC of teh cylinder you are working on and the piston will prevent the valve from dropping. It'll drop down a little but it won't disappear into the valve guide.

You might want to invest in some "small hex" head bolts the next time you put it back together. They're super-helpful for getting them in and out on aftermarket heads with bigger diameter springs.