Valve spring compressor tool |
A small magnet used in removal of valve locks |
Valve locks (keepers) |
O-ring type seal |
Umbrella/positive type seal |
Removing exhaust valve |
Exploded view of a valve, seal, spring, retainer and locks from an OHC cylinder head |
Example of a multi-valve cylinder head with 2 intake and 2 exhaust valve ports |
Most cylinder heads with cup type camshaft followers will have the valve spring, retainer and locks recessed within the follower’s bore. You will need a C-clamp style valve spring compressor tool, an OHC spring removal tool (or its equivalent) as well as a small magnet to disassemble the head.
C-clamp type spring compressor and an OHC spring removal tool (center) for cup type followers |
Cup type bolt-on bearing caps |
OHC spring tool and C-clamp |
NOTE: Check for burrs or high spots on the valve tip and valve lock area. Use a metal file to remove burrs before removing the valve from the head.
Most cylinder heads with rocker arm-type camshaft followers are easily disassembled using a standard valve spring compressor. Certain models may not have enough open space around the spring for the standard tool and may require you to use a C-clamp style compressor tool instead.
OHC shaft mounted rocker arms |
OHC rocker arm type head |
Remove the followers |
. . . then the camshaft can be removed by sliding it out (shown), or unbolting a bearing cap (not shown) |
Compressing the valve spring |
Removing the valve locks |
Valve spring and retainer |
Removing valve seal from the guide. |
NOTE: Some cylinder heads may have mushroomed valve lock grooves and/or valve tips, making it difficult to remove valves. If so, use a metal file to carefully remove the high spots around the lock grooves and/or tip. File enough to make valve removal possible.
Valve spring shim |