hey guys, im having trouble getting my valve spring retainer locks to go back in. it took me an hour to do one and now im working on number 2 of 16 and ive been at it for about 45 min already. The reason im messing around with the head is cuz i bought cams and im upgrading the stock springs to crane's. i read that you could guide the locks in with a pair of needle nose plyers but that isnt working. to compress the springs i am using the drill press trick with a spark plug socket with a window cut in it, so the "right tool for the right job" clause doesnt apply here. does anyone know of a better way to get these things in?!

Yeah, they can be a PITA and not haveing the right tool makes it even harder. I know because I had to use a modified spring compressor to put my head together. I use a dab of assembly lube on the keepers to make them stick to the valve stem to hold it in place while I put the other keeper in place.

Also a slightly magnetized screwdriver works good to put them in place where it is to tight for needlenose pliers.

maybe a bigger window is needed :shrug

not a 420a head but same concept

thanks for the quick response! assembly lube, huh? I'll try that after I get off of work tomorrow and ill open up the window on my compressor tool so i have more room to work with. thanks again

i used some thick grease type shit, held them easy. did the head in 45 min