The FSM is kinda cloudy on this, is a valve spring compressor whats needed? I've got my heads broken down except for the valves/spings. Any pictorials on this step? I would love to see what I'm supposed to do.

In case anyone is interested I have decided to do an all motor build using:

MEVI
Extrude Honing
JWT Cams/Srings
GReddy E-Manage Ultimate
Z32 MAF/Injectors

Should be a low-end weakling (I drive slow anyway) but a top-end beast. Any comments, suggestions.

 

If your heads are removed, no fancy tool is needed for removing head springs. You can do the following procedure at your own risk. I only recommend this method if you are going to replace your keepers/collets and retainers.

Tools needed:
Deep Socket, rubber mallet (or hammer), a rag...and good aim.

1. Sits the head flat on firm table
2. Find a deep socket whose diameter exceeds the keepers' (I think I used 10mm )
3. Place socket square onto the retainer and aligned axially about the spring (socket should be completely flat on the retainer in straight line with the spring)
4. Grab a rag(s) and wrap around socket and spring (to prevent the keepers from flying all over the garage)
5. Grab hammer and give it a nice firm square hit on the socket (hammer hit will cause spring to compress which will cause the keepers to fall out). You may need more than one hit.
6. Remove keepers and retainer carefully. Make sure that you mark your valve since you want it on that exact same spot upon reassembly.
7. Be sure to check cold valve lash after installing new retainers, shims, keepers, and springs.

While I don't recommend it, the carefully removed stock keeper and retainers can be reused.

You WILL need a special tool/press to reinstall the springs.

Good Luck

 

hmmm... sounds good but since i'll need the tool anyway...

this is the second time somebody has mentiond marking things for there original place, which i knew nothing about when i started taking it apart. valves make sense but i was also told about the buckets (didn't do). any other parts that should be marked?

 

I'm assuming you won't be removing the heads. If not, you either need to introduce compressed air into the cylinder or stuff a bunch of looong shoe string in there to keep the valves from falling in.

As for the tool to use, might need something like this.


http://www.my350z.com/forum/showpost...3&postcount=24
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

 

i will be building the heads off (engine out), so i'm assuming i do not need to worry about them dropping. but be sure to mark their position, correct?

 

Just make sure they go into the same hole they came out of. Settled on a tool yet? This is the one I have and works great if the heads are off. You just need to make a spacer out of PVC or metal that goes between the retainer and the tool.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ing+compressor

The first tool I mentioned will do the job whether the heads are on or off.

 

i really like the snap on one... seems very simple, but if the other style is better i'll go with it. i was playing around trying to see if i could just get them to fall out using an up-side-down socket, and the springs are very easy to push down but the retainer will not come out (i admit i have no idea how it is supposed to work).

*edit* found this one too: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog i like how it says ALL engines.

 

Yea you can remove them using ANYTHING to push 'em down. When the retainer is far down enough, all you need is a magnet to get the locks off of the valve stem, then release the spring slowly.

The reason I like the tool from sears is that it is self-locking, so as you squeeze it down it clicks. Once you've gotten it down far enough, you can let it go and it the spring will remain compressed so you can mess around with placing the locks on the stems.

 

so i assume it would make reinstallation easier correct? i can see it being a little difficult with the snap-on style.

 

Exactly. The only advantage the snap-on has over the other one is it allows you to remove the springs with the heads still attached.

 

Gee ! this morning I was asking myself what should I use to remove the valve and spring on my VQ30De-K. Thanks for the link, I went ahead and bought the snap-on tool.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks it make my day.

AA

 

thanks nismology, i was looking for a good valve spring Install tool..

the KD Tools valve compressor from Sears looks GREAT!!!!

 

I just received the tools from Snap-on and will be trying those later today.

Thanks for the links.