The Ford Barn

jtucker · 06-05-2023, 11:35 AM

I am putting modern valves into a 28 block. I am having a Dickens of a time getting those little keepers on the valve stems with my fat fingers.

There must be a secret method known only to an elite few for how to do this. Does anyone care to share that secret...

Thx, Jim

Phil Brown · 06-05-2023, 11:57 AM

Put a shot of grease on the valve tip to make the keeper stick to it while you release the spring compressor

Big hammer · 06-05-2023, 01:01 PM

Grease to keep the keepers stay put, long needle nose pliers to place them in the grease

Ivan in southeast va. · 06-05-2023, 07:19 PM

Grease is the word!

Jim Brierley · 06-06-2023, 10:59 AM

Years ago a special tool was used to install them, but if you can't find one, grease works well.

midgetracer · 06-06-2023, 12:45 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

The tool is made by KD. It is part #605. If you cannot find one I would loan you mine.

midgetracer · 06-06-2023, 12:48 PM

there is one on EBay now. It even has a make offer.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/26620158924...Bk9SR-KNhp2SYg

I looked and there is at least 3 there with various prices.

Pete · 06-06-2023, 03:30 PM

In lieu of the tool, put a small dab of grease on the valve stem groove, put a dab of grease on the tip of a screwdriver, just enough to hold one keeper, then use the screwdriver as an application tool. Put the keeper in, then repeat for the other keeper. Then release the spring.
This keeps the fingers away from pinchy places.

I have even seen people that build super expensive top fuel drag engines use this method.

Phil Brown · 06-07-2023, 10:37 AM

Another way to get the keeper installed is to stick a magnet to a screwdriver shaft then the keeper will stick to the screwdriver, put it in place on the greased valve stem, remove the magnet and it will let go of the keeper

Dodge · 06-17-2023, 11:50 PM

The best thing I have ever used is called transmission assembly goo. It is super sticky
and makes it easy to do. Use the method Pete described.
It sticks so well you have to use a second screw driver to push against the keeper to
get the first screw driver off.

mergevacant · 06-19-2023, 02:15 AM

They used to require a specialised tool for installation, although grease will do in a pinch.
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06-05-2023, 11:35 AM	#1
jtucker Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Roseville, MN Posts: 32	Valve spring keepers I am putting modern valves into a 28 block. I am having a Dickens of a time getting those little keepers on the valve stems with my fat fingers. There must be a secret method known only to an elite few for how to do this. Does anyone care to share that secret... Thx, Jim

06-05-2023, 11:57 AM	#2
Phil Brown Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santee Calif. Posts: 509	Re: Valve spring keepers Put a shot of grease on the valve tip to make the keeper stick to it while you release the spring compressor

06-05-2023, 01:01 PM	#3
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,131	Re: Valve spring keepers Grease to keep the keepers stay put, long needle nose pliers to place them in the grease __________________ Don't force it with a little hammer tap, tap, tap get a bigger hammer tap done

06-05-2023, 07:19 PM	#4
Ivan in southeast va. Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Portsmouth, Virginia Posts: 303	Re: Valve spring keepers Grease is the word!

06-06-2023, 10:59 AM	#5
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,088	Re: Valve spring keepers Years ago a special tool was used to install them, but if you can't find one, grease works well.

06-06-2023, 12:45 PM	#6
midgetracer Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bismarck ND Posts: 1,189	Re: Valve spring keepers Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The tool is made by KD. It is part #605. If you cannot find one I would loan you mine.

06-06-2023, 12:48 PM	#7
midgetracer Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bismarck ND Posts: 1,189	Re: Valve spring keepers there is one on EBay now. It even has a make offer. https://www.ebay.com/itm/26620158924...Bk9SR-KNhp2SYg I looked and there is at least 3 there with various prices. Last edited by midgetracer; 06-06-2023 at 12:51 PM. Reason: added

06-06-2023, 03:30 PM	#8
Pete Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wa. Posts: 5,408	Re: Valve spring keepers In lieu of the tool, put a small dab of grease on the valve stem groove, put a dab of grease on the tip of a screwdriver, just enough to hold one keeper, then use the screwdriver as an application tool. Put the keeper in, then repeat for the other keeper. Then release the spring. This keeps the fingers away from pinchy places. I have even seen people that build super expensive top fuel drag engines use this method.

06-07-2023, 10:37 AM	#9
Phil Brown Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santee Calif. Posts: 509	Re: Valve spring keepers Another way to get the keeper installed is to stick a magnet to a screwdriver shaft then the keeper will stick to the screwdriver, put it in place on the greased valve stem, remove the magnet and it will let go of the keeper

06-17-2023, 11:50 PM	#10
Dodge Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Sonoma, CA. Posts: 1,497	Re: Valve spring keepers The best thing I have ever used is called transmission assembly goo. It is super sticky and makes it easy to do. Use the method Pete described. It sticks so well you have to use a second screw driver to push against the keeper to get the first screw driver off.

06-19-2023, 02:15 AM	#11
mergevacant Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2023 Posts: 3	Re: Valve spring keepers They used to require a specialised tool for installation, although grease will do in a pinch. free games