Need tool recommendation for valve spring change with heads on (360)

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Litz

Litz

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I'm doing a valve spring upgrade on a 360 with the heads on the engine and I need some advice on what tools I will need to do the swap and the best place to purchase them. Thanks in advance.
 
Litz said:
I'm doing a valve spring upgrade on a 360 with the heads on the engine and I need some advice on what tools I will need to do the swap and the best place to purchase them. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

I use one of these, and it works just fine.
Some people use compressed air to keep the valves up, but I just put the cylinder I am doing at TDC and swap em out.
This way the valve can only drop about 1/2 inch if that and I just push the stem sideways lightly and put the new stuff on.

Another good way is to to get the piston almost up and feed a foot of nylon cord into the cylinder through the spark plug hole leaving a little hanging out and then continue bringing the piston up by hand until it stops.
The cord gets pressed up against the valves and holds them all the way up without scuffing anything.
Once the stuff is on that cylinder turn it backwards a little and pull the cord out, and go to the next cylinder in the firing order and do the same.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F5HUUI/?tag=joeychgo-20
 
TrailBeast said:
I use one of these, and it works just fine.
Some people use compressed air to keep the valves up, but I just put the cylinder I am doing at TDC and swap em out.
This way the valve can only drop about 1/2 inch if that and I just push the stem sideways lightly and put the new stuff on.

Another good way is to to get the piston almost up and feed a foot of nylon cord into the cylinder through the spark plug hole leaving a little hanging out and then continue bringing the piston up by hand until it stops.
The cord gets pressed up against the valves and holds them all the way up without scuffing anything.
Once the stuff is on that cylinder turn it backwards a little and pull the cord out, and go to the next cylinder in the firing order and do the same.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F5HUUI/?tag=joeychgo-20
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info. I saw that tool on Amazon yesterday but didn't know if it was a quality tool or not. But if it works for you I'll get one.
 
I made a couple youtube videos while changing my COMP springs. I just borrowed the tool from O' Reilly's Free. Its easy takes a little time but you will want to pay attention to the install height recommendation of the springs. Good Luck


 
you do know, you can change 4 springs at a time. tdc # 1, & 6, 8&5, 4&7, 3&2. only have to turn engine 4 times to tdc.
 
I like this one. Set it for the first spring and compress them all by flipping the handle. I do like the long handle type that grabs ahold of the rocker shaft. I have seen guys here that have cut a shaft to span 2 rocker stands. May be someone will post a picture.
Lisle Corporation

Here's a short video:
 
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dart_68 said:
I've used this tool. It says for 383-440 but it might work on a small block.
COMP Cams Shaft Mount Valve Spring Compressors 5324

I like WAY better than the more standard type listed above.
Click to expand...


DITTO

THIS TOOL!

Worth every penny.

(For heads off the engine, yes I know the OP is on the engine) bolt said head to a plywood board and clamp down to the bench with big C clamps. Build a picture frame like boarder to raise the plywood up so it will clear the head bolts holding the head down. Actually don’t use the head bolts but hardware from a local store will do.)
 
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dart_68 said:
I've used this tool. It says for 383-440 but it might work on a small block.
COMP Cams Shaft Mount Valve Spring Compressors 5324

I like WAY better than the more standard type listed above.
Click to expand...

The small block one is different. It's this one...COMP Cams Shaft Mount Valve Spring Compressors 5323

Spacing on the hold downs is different. You can also make your own, it's pretty easy if you've got an old worn out rocker shaft laying around to use.

Anyway, way easier to use than the little screw type ones. If the valve springs are really stiff those little ones can be a pain.
 
Whoooooops!

Thank you for the correction!!!!

72 BnB listed the correct small block part.
 
Litz said:
I'm doing a valve spring upgrade on a 360 with the heads on the engine and I need some advice on what tools I will need to do the swap and the best place to purchase them. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Hey, I make valve spring compressors for the 426 hemi. Go to YouTube and text in valve spring compressor 426 hemi. I can make you a valve spring compressor. Satisfaction guaranteed. $195+freight.
 
Litz said:
I'm doing a valve spring upgrade on a 360 with the heads on the engine and I need some advice on what tools I will need to do the swap and the best place to purchase them. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
I make valve spring compressors for the 426 hemi. $195 and $395.
These will handle 400lbs on the seat. I can make you one for $125. Satisfaction guaranteed.
 
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