I need to remove some valves. Where can I rent or buy cheap a valve spring compressor for OHC engines (420a)?

Also... it's a bad idea to swap camshaft caps between heads, right? I'm under the impression that it's a no-no, but if's okay I'll save a ton of time.

get a fat socket, stick it over the valve spring head and give it a wack with a hammer or rubber mallet, it'll free the locks and you can remove the valve, installing it is another thing. use your thumbs and have someone else put in the locks. as to the caps, i'd be willing to bet you'll be ok...just make sure the markings on the caps are on the right spot

our valve springs and top washers sit very close to the head and so a valve spring compressor is a major PITA to get in there, fyi
_________
96 talon esi-t
san clemente, ca

brenda29> so anyways,... my dad thought that kids would call me brenda

as needles of ice
are the ill winds' talons
the coldest of shadows
they seep unto the bone

As a general rule, I would never swap cam caps between heads. But, if you accurately measured everything and it cam out perfect, then it should be ok. I wouldn't do it though.

Corbin

'95 ESI-T
HRC+FMIC+ETC...



Gimme fuel...Gimme fire...Gimme that which I desire

Can't you rent the compressor from Autozone? I think they have one, but I'm not positive

you cant swap cam caps. dont do it. i learned the hard way. those cylinders need to be perfectly round, and youll be really pissed off if you put everything together, try to turn the cams and they dont budge.

but for your question, im really not sure. people have had a hard time finding them for our applications though.

*what did you do to warrant valve replacement btw doug? leaky seals?

I say test the caps w/ some Plastigauge, availible almost everywhere, which makes it easily visable if it's round or not if you just put a long peice on, if there're in spec (check Chilton's manual for clearances) torque the camshaft caps on, w/ the timing belt off turn the crank to 45* before/after TDC and you should be able to turn the camshafts w/ your hand. If everything turns out like it should, absolutely nothing to worry about.

How to use Plastigauge: http://www.fordmuscle.com/fundamentals/plastiguage/index.shtml

Originally posted by WickedESi
I say test the caps w/ some Plastigauge, availible almost everywhere, which makes it easily visable if it's round or not if you just put a long peice on, if there're in spec (check Chilton's manual for clearances) torque the camshaft caps on, w/ the timing belt off turn the crank to 45* before/after TDC and you should be able to turn the camshafts w/ your hand. If everything turns out like it should, absolutely nothing to worry about. How to use Plastigauge: http://www.fordmuscle.com/fundamentals/plastiguage/index.shtml

That is a good site

Yeah, dont swap cam caps..if you do, then they will need to be align bored, which many places don't do. You'd be surprised at how little those cap bores have to be off to wreck havoc...

>>As a general rule, I would never swap cam caps between heads.

That's my impression as well. I was wondering it anyone had tried it since nobody seems to have an OHC/OHV spring compressor I can rent. Shot in the dark I guess. Bad idea I know.

>>Can't you rent the compressor from Autozone?

It's too big. I'm going to talk to the guys at Dodge. They know me very well and would probably let me borrow it over the weekend.

>>what did you do to warrant valve replacement btw doug? leaky seals?

It's not my head, it's Michael's (xEclipseRaceRx) head. His idler pulley bracket snaped in half and 6 valves smacked the pistons. The only thing getting replaced on my car is the T3 replaced with a Super 20G, custom manifold replaced with Armond's ceramic HRC manifold, and the 2.5" downpipe is getting replaced with Armond's 3" HRC Eliminator downpipe. THEN maybe the valve seals will need replaced... maybe. ;-)

>>How to use Plastigauge...(etc)

Good site but I know about clearences and have shit loads of plastigage. The clearences match stock specs but I still think that wear would be abnormal and the valve-train would fail again.

>>dont swap cam caps..if you do, then they will need to be align bored

I hate machine shops and don't trust anyone else's work. However, I've had an align bore done at a local shop and it was a good bore job. I just wish I could find a spring compressor, it would be quicker and cheaper. (sigh) Help!

shit well i swapped cam caps and didnt use plastigauge, i can turn the cams fine though

off to check clearances....
_________
96 talon esi-t
san clemente, ca


as needles of ice
are the ill winds' talons
the coldest of shadows
they seep unto the bone