Can't tell if I have the valve keepers in right!

[KDMatt]

Hey gang, I'm in the middle of changing my valve stem seals tonight, and after a tumultuous battle I've got the keepers back into place on valve #1, cylinder #1, but I can't tell if they're seated correctly.

I've never done this before, and I want to make sure I've got this correct before moving on to the rest of the valves.

Basically, the keepers are where they belong, but I can still push down on the spring compressor and have the keepers move down the valve, independent of it... but they seem to "catch" at the top, preventing the spring from pushing any further up. This is correct, right? 

I made a quick video to demonstrate:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7_bZL8NqxIAZlotUzJRSGRXb0k/view?usp=sharing

I'm paranoid and this is driving me nuts. If a couple of folks could weigh in that would be great -- then I can keep going. Thank you!!

[sweatybetty]

if the keepers are in the grooves on the valve, and the spring is staying where it is supposed to, then you should be good to go.

[EuroDat]

The video shows what your doing and it looks fine. If the cleats don't seat properly then the spring will sit a lot lower compard to the other springs. It will generally sit crocked as well.

Your looks ok from the video.

 

[KDMatt]

Right on my friends, thank you for the swift replies! I'm moving ahead!  

[KDMatt]

Okay, four down, eight to go -- the keepers for the one I'm working on are properly stuck, any tips? Is there a socket I could maybe slip over just the keepers and try to break them loose by tapping/whacking/pounding/clubbing down?

Maybe I could try rotating the motor down a bit so the rope gives the valve some room to move down... then compress the valve and rotate the motor back up and see if that'll push the keepers loose?

I dunno, I don't want to bend a valve or do anything stupid just to replace a 3 dollar seal. 

I've tried heat -- haven't tried penetrating oil yet (would that do anything?) ... I've tried wiggling it up and down and using as much force as the tool  can tolerate before the piston starts to move back down... I've gotten the other ones loose, but no dice on this goofy one -- what gives? 

[siteunseen]

I've used a deep socket, maybe a spark plug socket?, over the spring retainers and pop them with a rubber hammer. It knocks them loose before using the spring compressor. You'll hear the difference in sound when you get one loose. The only thing you might be careful of is the keepers can jump out across the room. 

If you'll hit them until you hear the springy sound instead of a "ting" sound you'll know they're loose. A pencil size magnet works good getting the keepers when the spring is compressed. 

I've read that some guys use a socket and hammer and don't use a spring compressor. Good luck.

[rossiz]

you want the piston at tdc on compression stroke in the cylinder you're working on and really need to jamb the rope in there so the valve can't move down much at all. then compress the spring a bit and tap on the keepers with a small tool (screwdriver or drift punch). tap, tap, tap - not a big whack, break it loose without bending the valve. if they've been on for 30+ yrs they can be mighty stuck - do yourself a favor and stuff a rag in the "hole of doom" (timing chain) because those keepers want to fly when they pop loose. i think i have a permanent dimple in my forehead from one... 

[LeonV]

The hammer and socket method posted above works well.

[KDMatt]

That sounds great, but with the cam in the way there's no way to get a deep socket over the spring retainer. 

I've tried a smaller socket on an extension -- been whacking the crap out of it and no dice.

@rossiz appreciate the suggestion, but I don't have three hands!  Can't compress the spring and tap on the keeper at the same time. One hand is holding the spring compressor already. I've got as much rope stuffed in there as I can -- the crank is pushed up -- I can't turn it any further, and the valve still bounces... Gently whacking with the hammer is enough to actually push the piston back DOWN.

I've got the head on the car, cam and everything is still in. I've got the Sealey tools spring compressor to pull against the cam to push the springs down. 

Any other options?

 

[siteunseen]

You can use a big flat head screwdriver and pry down on the spring retainer. Slide it under a rough spot on the cam.

Put the car in gear and the crank won't move. 

[KDMatt]

By some miracle I got it to let go. I put the car into gear to lock the crankshaft after I backed off and repacked the rope so the valve moved a little less... Not sure how, but it finally gave... let's hope that's the only one that's that bad... :/ 

[siteunseen]

4 hours ago, LeonV said:

The hammer and socket method posted above works well.

Quick side bar. 

LeonV, I absolutely love my aluminum flywheel and stock clutch combo. Thank you for helping me make that decision.  I think it's my favorite add on so far. Next is the triples. Baby steps. 8^)