409 broken valve spring

[Red 409 63 impala]

Lastest problem with my 409 eng. In the changing out of the intake manifold did a compression check and found out # 4 had 0 compression. When I pulled the valve cover..broken valve spring...I see replacing a valve spring can be done without pulling the head. I have a hose to hook air in the cylinder, put unsure what is the best tool to compress the spring...where can I purchase it? Probably a good tool to have.

 

[La Hot Rods]

They make a few different ones. If you have room the one the uses the rocker stud tend to work the best. I'll get some pictures of the two types I have.

 

[La Hot Rods]

The one on the right is the easiest to use. I did modify it by putting more bend in it and shortening the handle to help with clearance issues with things like a/c and brake master cylinder.

 

[Skip FIx]

You need to see why it broke coil bind-exhaust valve hitting the block or just fatigue. Maybe pull them all and check pressures to see if it has gone away.

That one the top Moroso or a copy of theirs is the best! Kind of locks in place compressed. Not like the lever ones that try and slap you in the face

 

[La Hot Rods]

Being a flat rate mechanic for most of my life, the black one after being modified works much faster for me. I have replaced more valve stem seals then I would care to remember.

 

[Skip FIx]

They probably did not have roller seat pressures

 

[427John]

I like the simple stud mounted one too, I like to take a socket and mallet and bump the retainers a little to loosen the locks first and then have a magnet handy to grab the locks when you get the retainers clear of them.

 

[La Hot Rods]

Yes on what John said about bumping the spring retainer to loosen them up first.

 

[La Hot Rods]

They probably did not have roller seat pressures

This is true. On a heavy spring pressure I use a crescent wrench on the end of the handle for more leverage.

 

[IMBVSUR?]

Being a flat rate mechanic for most of my life, the black one after being modified works much faster for me. I have replaced more valve stem seals then I would care to remember.

Although I made good money when I wanted to hustle all the time, I was only flat rate for a couple of years and decided that wasn't for me. I saw too many guys shorting things just to make money and I couldn't do that and didn't want to run all the time.

 

[63impaloligist]

I use the one that screws on to the stud too. Think I got it from Jegs. I just finished swapping the springs on one of my 327 roller engines. I'm glad I bought that tool.

 

[327]

 

[La Hot Rods]

They work good out in the open, now when the engine is installed it can change things on some of the cylinders.

 

[Skip FIx]

Used it on my the 455 in my 78 Trans Am swapping to roller cam and springs-even with the A/C box.