Thread: How to install Cams and Springs and/or Retainers in the VE

You do have to remove the rocker arm shafts. But, you may be able to remove them from the front. There are 2 small freeze plugs that line up with the shafts. If you remove them, i think you can get the shafts out the front. Definitely not as easy. But the freeze plugs are only $1 each to replace.

Instead of filling the cylinders with air or feeding a rope inside them, would it be possible to replace the springs and retainers while the engine is on a stand upside down? Or would everything just fall out?
I have never done this before, so I am not yet sure how the valves are held in there, but I do not have a compressor and I do not know how reliable the rope method is.

I would get the compressor on Amazon. Don't mess around with ropes. it's your motor, bad idea to take shortcuts.... so ive found

So that would be a no to doing it upside down?
I may just end up taking the head off.

Call me about this.

Also, I need your phone #

Putting the engine upside down will not help. The point of using the rope or compress air method is to keep the valve from moving so you can compress the spring and break loose the valve keepers.

If you don't hold the valves still when compressing the springs, they both will go up and down together and you won't be able to break the keepers loose.

One last question. When using the compressor method, does one use an adapter to thread the end of the air hose into the spark plug hole, or is it sufficient to just stick the hose through it?

I ended up purchasing an air compressor and this style of tool, so I should be set.




Just sent you an email with my number.

You need an adapter to thread in. I usually sell / provide a compression tester that has a quick release coupling and then the piece for the air hose so they mate up right.

How much was that thing? I sell the whack-a-mole thing for like $45.

What is the best way to do this, and should the shims end up being level with the rim of the retainer? Mine seem to stick out pretty far at the moment.

They can stick out. They must be placed in exactly the same spot. That is the important thing.