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Thread: Valve Seals

  1. #1
    JOE BYRNE
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    Default Valve Seals

    I am going to attempt the valve seal thing on my Eldebrock Heads. If I quick dissconect the gauge off my compression gauge and hook up my compressor (same connection) will that work to keep the valves up ??

  2. #2
    Member Bill75's Avatar
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    Yes it will. Haven't done it in a long time but it works perfectly, we used to install Ford valve seals on 283 Chevy valve guides that way.

    Bill

  3. #3
    JOE BYRNE
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    Bill,

    Just keep pressure in the cylinder...anything else before iI take the spring off to change the seal?? I have read about the rope in the hole but would rather use the compressor

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    Member motorman's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JOE BYRNE
    I am going to attempt the valve seal thing on my Eldebrock Heads. If I quick dissconect the gauge off my compression gauge and hook up my compressor (same connection) will that work to keep the valves up ??
    with the air in the cylinder you will need to tap the retainer down to break loose the keepers. a deep 9/16" socket works well.
    retired race engine builder,former NASCAR tech inspector,corvette owner since 1959, new corvettes owned,59,62,63,64,65,66,97,99,02,05, 2008 is in my garage, 2008 sold and waiting for my C-7

  5. #5
    JOE BYRNE
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    I will follow your advice. Hope this is easier than the rear spring. Thank you very much

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    Member motorman's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JOE BYRNE
    I will follow your advice. Hope this is easier than the rear spring. Thank you very much
    if you have a 4 speed put it in gear and block the wheels to keep the engine from spinning over when you put the air into the cylinder.
    retired race engine builder,former NASCAR tech inspector,corvette owner since 1959, new corvettes owned,59,62,63,64,65,66,97,99,02,05, 2008 is in my garage, 2008 sold and waiting for my C-7

  7. #7
    JOE BYRNE
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    It is a 4-speed..its always in reverse but I will block the wheels. Thanks a million.

  8. #8
    Member Bill75's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JOE BYRNE
    Bill,

    Just keep pressure in the cylinder...anything else before iI take the spring off to change the seal?? I have read about the rope in the hole but would rather use the compressor
    Yeah the rope stuff is a little crude, the compressor works good and also the advice of others is right on target as well. Much easier than a rear spring!

    Bill

  9. #9
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    with the compressed air method, its very ez to accidently push the valve off its seat--air goes whoosh and the valve goes "oh sh**....if you feed a few feet of clothesline in thru the sparkplug hole and then roll the piston up with a wrench on the balancer bolt it takes a little longer but is less thrilling

  10. #10
    JOE BYRNE
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    Im going to have to think about what way to go now...the spring was brut force and muscle...this is using my brain a little......been up since 6...will have to sleep on it. Thanks guys

  11. #11
    Member norvalwilhelm's Avatar
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    I have done this a number of times but have a valve spring compresser that works really well. I just put air in the cylinder, put the valve spring compressor over the stud, block all holes in the head that can swallow a keeper and remove the spring.
    Air in the cylinder does a great job. I actually find working on the head in the car is almost easier then working on the bench.

  12. #12
    JOE BYRNE
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    I think I will go with the air. How much pressure to you keep in...my compressor goes up to 120lbs

  13. #13
    Member norvalwilhelm's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JOE BYRNE
    I think I will go with the air. How much pressure to you keep in...my compressor goes up to 120lbs
    Use full pressure.

  14. #14
    JOE BYRNE
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    Got it and thanks a bunch!

  15. #15
    vette-dude
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    I took an old sparkplug, gutted the working parts, drilled out the center of the threaded area where the electrode was, and welded an air connection to it. I then just screw the new homemade Bubba thing into the sparkplug hole, attach the air hose disconnect and fire up the compressor. Works to hold pressure in the cylinder so you can remove springs to replace seals.

    Randy

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