Why won't the valves come out?

[USNA1969]

I've tried several spring compressors and, so far, I've gotten the farthest with one of the screw types with the arms that extend down the side of the springs. The problem is that I can't get the keepers loose.

I can compress the springs enough to lift them off the seats on the head. I can even push the valves open, but when I put a block of wood under the valve to keep it from moving, I can't get the springs to budge so I can get the keepers out. What am I doing wrong?

 

[72VETTE454]

It is possible to compress the spring enough to lift it off the seat of the head and to be able to move the valve, but still not compressed enough to remove the keepers. Maybe you just need to compress the spring a little bit more to make enough clearance to remove the keepers?

 

[bradfordsvettes]

you may need to put a block under the valve and give the retainer a tap with a hammer sometimes the old seals get stuck like glue and the keepers could also nave varnish build up on them and may need a little persuasion to break loose from the retainer hnoes Steve

 

[wallyknoch]

Since you apparently do not have a very good spring compressor I may suggest this trick. Set the head on some wood and select a large deep socket. Set the socket on the retainer and with a good sized BFH strike the top of the socket. The spring, retainer and keepers should come apart in your hand.

 

[USNA1969]

Got Them Out

Since you apparently do not have a very good spring compressor I may suggest this trick. Set the head on some wood and select a large deep socket. Set the socket on the retainer and with a good sized BFH strike the top of the socket. The spring, retainer and keepers should come apart in your hand.

Thanks for the advice. I sprayed them with liquid wrench and used a socket to free them.