swapping valves springs with the heads on the engine

[grumpyvette]

BTW if you go to change the valve springs with the heads still on the engine, most guys use the hose they use to do a compression check and the spark plug adapter and pump the cylinder up with about 125 psi of air to hold the valves shut while they do it, yeah it usually works just fine.

(yeah theres a different method)
(1)disconnect the battery
(2) remove the spark plugs, and rocker arms
(3)turn the first cylinder to BDC BYE HAND or someplace close to that
(4) insert one end of 5 ft of 3/8" rope into the cylinder thru the sparkplug hole and be sure you tie a KNOT in the other end
(5) rotate BYE HAND,the engine until the rope compresses against the valves holding them in place
(6)REPLACE THE SPRINGS on that cylinder while the valves are held to the combustion chamber roof
(7)rotate the cylinder back to BDC
(8)pull out the rope

(repeat 7 more times) :laughing:

yeah! the air USUALLY works but I don,t trust it EITHER, I want those valves locked from falling into the cylinder PHYSICALLY

BTW youll want one of these or something similar

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=SUM-906784&autoview=sku
http://www.compperformancegroupstores.c ... y_Code=BEE

viewtopic.php?f=52&t=697

IVE done it both ways many times, Ive never trusted the air alone but Ive used it without problems in the past, the ropes usually not a problem,, and yeah theres the potential for it to tangle but I have not had that happen either

viewtopic.php?f=52&t=1933&p=5124#p5124

viewtopic.php?f=52&t=2091&p=5600#p5600

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=39528



http://www.fordmuscle.com/forums/engine ... tools.html


ALWAYS READ LINKED INFO IN THESE THREADS ON THIS WEB-SITE
have you used one of the push-rod length checker tools?

they might be a good cross check, before you order the push-rods.
it would take a bit more time but it would be cheaper in the long term.
to be sure you got it right than it would be to try to return push-rods
remember the tool works when the lifters on the cams base circle
(yes as simple as they are (PICTURE ABOVE) too use they tend to be rather accurate)
yes I use BOTH the push rod checker tools to get the quick check on length, and the adjustable length push-rods and a marker too method verify the correct length with a cross check by looking at the wear/sweep and location, on the valve tip

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...sh-rod-length-checker-tools.13735/#post-70650

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...rdering-correct-custom-length-pushrods.14241/

http://www.summitracing.com/search/...d-length-checkers?autoview=SKU&ibanner=SREPD5
Proform Pushrod Length Checkers 66789 SBC 3/8" rocker studs

Proform Pushrod Length Checkers 66790 SBC 7/16" rocker studs

heres a bit of useful related push rod length info (POSTED HERE) youll want to select the correct set or SETS for your shop

Big Block Chevy, Standard Length Big Block Intake 3/8" / .080" 8.275"
295-7941-8 Big Block Chevy, Standard Length Big Block Exhaust 3/8" / .080" 9.250"
295-7969-8 Big Block Chevy, Standard Big Block +.100" Long Intake 3/8" / .080" 8.375"
295-7979-8 Big Block Chevy, Standard Big Block +.100" Long Exhaust 3/8" / .080" 9.350"
295-7951-8 Big Block Chevy, Standard Length Big Block Tall Deck Intake 3/8" / .080" 8.675"
295-7961-8 Big Block Chevy, Standard Length Big Block Tall Deck Exhaust 3/8" / .080" 9.650"
295-7800 V8 396-454 Retro Fit Pushrod Set, Intake & Exhaust, 1965-Present
3/8" / .080"
3/8" / .080" 7.725 Int.
8.675 Exh

295-7913-16 Small Block Chevy, Standard Length Small Block Chevy 3/8" / .080" 7.800"
295-7984-16 Small Block Chevy, +.100" Long 3/8" / .080" 7.900"
295-7934-16 Big Block Ford, Standard Length Ford `72-'78 429-460 3/8" / .080" 8.550"
295-7951-16 Big Block Ford, Standard Length Ford `69-'71 429-460 3/8" / .080" 8.675"
295-7582-16 Oldsmobile, Std Length 455 5/16" 9.550"