any tricks on compressing valve springs to get cotter pins in???

[kilabeez0]

i have a c clamp type device i used to get them out, but it does a good job at marring the metal around it. i've tried pushing down and using flat head screw drivers to pry them down, but i just cant seem to push them down and hold them long enough to get the cotters in. i can get 1 in but not both. if i try and use my c clamp it just gets in the way. any tips??

[bad350]

go to autozone and rent a valve spring compressor

[atckowalski]

Try a very large pair of channel locks.

[leokendall]

what i usally does is take a scoket around 3/8" place it over the valve stem so that the cotter are inside the socket, then just tap the socket with an hammer and they usally pops out. but be care full u don't lose the clamps and hit the valve. i places the head on a piece of pine wood. to put the cotter pins back in, i use the same socket and place the pin just fittin snuggly on the valve stem. fill up my socket with carboad so that the end of the socket is almost fluch with bits of cardboard and ten places it over the cotter pins in place. then hits it with a hammer and they usally goes in. and that i uslayy puts the head in my lap and taps the stem head untill they seats properly. i used this method a number of times and it's proven to work for me everytime i have done it.

[leokendall]

just a note i'ts not a 3/8 socket, it's more like a 1/2" or a 5/8".

[Aka_am]

pics? I'm confused..or explain it step by step.

I still need to put my valves in, and I dont want to take it too a shop (I will prolly have to though, need studs pulled)

[leokendall]

pics from me?

[lndy650]

try the closed end of a wrench set it over the valve spring and push down. its easiest with 2 people but i have done it by myself a few times... a valve spring compressor is nice but they can get in the way of trying to get the retainers in

[kilabeez0]

i got it done. god damn that sucked. i used what we call a panel tool at work. i do auto glass and its the fork like tool used to pop door panels or pop push pins. the fork fit right over the retainer and the split in the middle was just wide enough to drop the cotters in.

[Dirtcrasher]

Glad you got it....

The C Clamp works fine, you just need to use an appx 3/4" round tube and about 2" long in between the clamp and the valve. I make a big cutout in the pipe to allow my small needle nose pliers to get the keepers in.