Valve springs

[1toofastlt1]

Im installing a set of PAC 1218s and i need to know if any one has a trick for keeping the valve from falling down into the cylinder. thanks

[jakesz28]

You have to put air in the cylinder. Most of the comp gauges with the quick connect will do the trick for you. Just take the valve core out of the end of it. Screw it into the spark plug hole and plug into the air comp. Now you can tap the spring retainer with a socket and hammer to unstick the keeper. Then use you spring compresser to swap out the springs.

[1toofastlt1]

what about the rope trick

[joelster]

Or just put a breaker bar onto a socket and turn the motor over until the pison taps the valve. Keep turning until the valve rises to its highest point. The piston won't push the valve up all the way, but it will get it high enough to change the spring.

No you won't damage the valve or the piston.
No it is physically impossible for the valve to fall into the cylinder. The valve is around 5" long and the stroke of your 350 is 3.48" which leaves plenty of valve still in the guide even if the piston is at bottom dead center.

[Wooshie]

just use a socket to bring the cylinders to TDC. Shoebox has the diagram on his website. With the arrow on the crank hub at 12,3,6, and 9 there will be 2 cylinders that will keep the valves from falling in.

Crank pulley arrow/crank gear dot position Pistons at top of travel 12 o'clock 1 and 6 3 o'clock 8 and 5 6 o'clock 4 and 7 9 o'clock 3 and 2

http://shbox.com/ci/valve_spring_swap.html

[1toofastlt1]

o nice thats easy

[Wooshie]

I know. I have done several cams this way.

[1toofastlt1]

what diamiter valve stems do i have? I have some retainers and locks for a zo6

[JAKEJR]

what diamiter valve stems do i have? I have some retainers and locks for a zo6

They should be 11/32" unless someone has changed the valves.

Did you begin tackling your project yet?

Jake