The Ford Barn

goodoldvic · 04-23-2013, 05:01 PM

Hi, stock lifters and valves. Can I swap out the valve springs with the head on? Thanx in advance for the answer.

CarlG · 04-23-2013, 05:42 PM

Yes.

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 04-23-2013, 06:30 PM

Well, in theory you can but making that valve stay down against the seat so you can get the retainers & keepers on without being able to put pressure on the top of the valve might be more trouble than just R&R-ing the head.

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CarlG · 04-23-2013, 07:13 PM

I said "yes" because I have done it. Having said that, take Brent's advice and just take the head off. While it wasn't the valves trying to "float" while putting the springs and keepers on that got me, but it was the fact that there were other things I needed to have seen on the top end of the engine that necessitated taking the head off later in the process anyway.

James Rogers · 04-23-2013, 07:34 PM

The real answer is-NO. You can remove the keeper by pressurizing the cylinder with compressed air BUT, after the keeper is off you won't be able to raise the valve enough to get the spring off. I remove LOTS of valves and springs and I find even with the valve up as far as possible, it is difficult to remove the springs. You might get one off and the replacement back on but, you won't want to do 8. Anyone who doesn't believe me, just try it.

Jim Brierley · 04-24-2013, 10:36 AM

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Why are you swapping springs? If you have straight-stemmed valves and straight guides you have lost about .090" of installed height, and you will need spacers to get back to stock spring strength. If using a stock cam I recommend 40 lbs. of pressure at installed height, slightly more than stock. If using a touring cam, check with your cam grinder for recommended pressure.

04-23-2013, 05:01 PM	#1
goodoldvic Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: New Jersey shore Posts: 257	Swap valve springs Hi, stock lifters and valves. Can I swap out the valve springs with the head on? Thanx in advance for the answer.

04-23-2013, 05:42 PM	#2
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,115	Re: Swap valve springs Yes. __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

04-23-2013, 06:30 PM	#3
BRENT in 10-uh-C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern Tennessee Posts: 11,513	Re: Swap valve springs Well, in theory you can but making that valve stay down against the seat so you can get the retainers & keepers on without being able to put pressure on the top of the valve might be more trouble than just R&R-ing the head. . __________________ . BRENT in 10-uh-C . www.model-a-ford.com ...(...Finally Updated!! ) .

04-23-2013, 07:13 PM	#4
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,115	Re: Swap valve springs I said "yes" because I have done it. Having said that, take Brent's advice and just take the head off. While it wasn't the valves trying to "float" while putting the springs and keepers on that got me, but it was the fact that there were other things I needed to have seen on the top end of the engine that necessitated taking the head off later in the process anyway. __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

04-23-2013, 07:34 PM	#5
James Rogers Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Asheville,NC Posts: 3,104	Re: Swap valve springs The real answer is-NO. You can remove the keeper by pressurizing the cylinder with compressed air BUT, after the keeper is off you won't be able to raise the valve enough to get the spring off. I remove LOTS of valves and springs and I find even with the valve up as far as possible, it is difficult to remove the springs. You might get one off and the replacement back on but, you won't want to do 8. Anyone who doesn't believe me, just try it. __________________ http://www.model-a-ford-4bangers.com/

04-24-2013, 10:36 AM	#6
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,088	Re: Swap valve springs Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Why are you swapping springs? If you have straight-stemmed valves and straight guides you have lost about .090" of installed height, and you will need spacers to get back to stock spring strength. If using a stock cam I recommend 40 lbs. of pressure at installed height, slightly more than stock. If using a touring cam, check with your cam grinder for recommended pressure.