Install spring retainers Tips

[tparker]

Any tips in installing the spring retainers? I have the springs compressed but It seems to get hung up one groove too early so I can't get it all the way in. The spring is compressed as much as it can. Is it just fiddling around for a while?

Also, is there any tips on removing inner springs. I got one out but it was a bit of a bear.

Thanks
Tom

[MoparLeo]

A picture would be most helpful.

[dodj]

Maybe not compressing the spring enough? 

[tparker]

Yeah it seems the spring needs just a bit more compression. But this stupid tool has little arms on the side that really don't allow it to catch the last spring rung (or what ever those are called). The spring is as compressed as it can be with this particular tool. Maybe I can work it a bit more to get a little more spring.

The retainer/keepers have grooves in them as does the valve. It looks like the Keeper is catching on the wrong slot on valve. The Keepers angle a little bit when you put them in. It seems if I can straighten the angle it out it should fall in place. But is easier said than done.

[MoparLeo]

The problem is that you are not compressing enough coils. Need a better tool. Some parts stores rent or loan tools. Check them out.If you are also setting the correct spring/compression height you might just want to take the heads to a competent machine shop that has the proper tools do it for you.

[71GranCoupe]

I have only used the type in the picture below. Your compressor is most likely the problem. I would go to your local parts store and use one similar to the one pictured if they have one. 

[RUNCHARGER]

I use one similar but I think it's a bit sturdier. Try to slide it around until the jaw is touching the lower coil if you can.  It might just not be enough tool for the job. Don't reach in there with your fingers, use a magnetic stick to place the locks in.

[dodj]

Don't reach in there with your fingers, use a magnetic stick to place the locks in.

I've always used my fingers...your way seems much smarter.

[Cudajason]

Yeah it seems the spring needs just a bit more compression. But this stupid tool has little arms on the side that really don't allow it to catch the last spring rung (or what ever those are called). The spring is as compressed as it can be with this particular tool. Maybe I can work it a bit more to get a little more spring.

The retainer/keepers have grooves in them as does the valve. It looks like the Keeper is catching on the wrong slot on valve. The Keepers angle a little bit when you put them in. It seems if I can straighten the angle it out it should fall in place. But is easier said than done.

I have done my springs and retainers with that tool.  Based on your picture just rotate the tool until it is as far down on the coils as possible.  Should be fine.

I used a little bit of wheel bearing grease on the spring groves to hold in the retainers. 

the only other thing I can think of is make sure the retainers match the valves (that is the grooved are the same on both.

Jason

[dodj]

Just fyi, I bought one of these from summit racing. Worked great for me on stock iron 440 heads and 440 Source aluminium heads
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-66832

[tparker]

Thanks all, I was able to get the first pair in. 7 more cylinders to go. Ugh. I should have mentioned the heads are installed on the car. I have to take out the inner springs before startup, I should have mentioned that to the build shop... or maybe they should have mentioned that.

The problem was fixed simply by rotating the spring a little bit more when I first grab a coil. That was just enough to make it workable. I just hope I can do that once the inner springs are in. LOL.

Here are a couple photos incase it helps someone. I am using a home made tool to remove the springs but it doesn't work so well to put the keepers in since there is a little bit of lateral force that moves the spring off center too much. Then this tool seems like it will work well enough to put the springs back in. hopefully it will get faster as it took me an hour to do one pair.