Installing valve springs

[hamer]

i ordered the 979's today. I read the proc. on GNttype, but i was wondering if i had to use the pipe and L- shaped compressor? I found a valve spring compressor at a flea market last weekend for dirt cheap so i bought it. It looks like itll work but if i remember right i saw splash guards around each spring. do they get removed first? How do they come out? when i getr ready to put air into the cylinder what is the minimum psi to keep the valves up? is there a special fitting specifically for this, thatll thread into the spark plug hole? Or just a regular air fitting with the right thread? Gettin ALL my ducks in a row BEFORE i start!! Thanks Guys!

 

[WFO]

you will need a special fitting to thread into the spark plug hole.they sell them at the auto parts store.

i used a cheapy bar type spring compressor that i modified to work.can't remember what i had to do to it...nothing major.

i personally prefer to take about 3 feet of soft cotton rope and thread it into the spark plug hole(tie a knot in the end and leave about 6" sticking out).then you gently rotate the motor over til the piston compresses the rope up against the valves.no way in hell the valves can drop that way.

btw,you will want to reuse the spring cups with your 979's.

later,sean

 

[buickpower]

the spring cup dampers can be carefully pried off (can be tricky to not bend them). they normally have to be removed before the spring can be removed.

 

[buickpower]

by the way, they have to be pried off after the spring is compressed

 

[hamer]

WFO thats a great idea with the rope! might try that instead of air. The spring cups your talkin about are the cylinder shaped things around the springs?? i am gonna reuse the retainers. hopefully doin all this BS will kick the problem i got in A$$!! Thanks guys!!