Gary Hedlin <garyhedlin@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
: Ok, if I'm just doing the seals, I still gotta remove the heads so I don't
: droop a valve into the block. Am I correct??
Hi Gary,
I don't recall how the piston to valve clearance is on the
Magnum engines, but what you should be able to do is to pull all
of the spark plugs, then working on one pair of valves (intake &
exhaust) at a time, turn the engine by hand or carefully bump
the starter with the coil wire removed in order to get the
piston for the cylinder you are working on near TDC. (Use
something like a straightened coat hanger through the spark
plug hole to feel the piston coming up.) It doesn't matter
if it is TDC on the intake or exhaust stroke, all you want
to do is get the piston up near the top of the bore so that
the valves won't drop down into the block. Compress the valve
spring, pop out the keepers and pull the spring off the valve.
Chances are, the valve may even stay put. If not, at least
it will hit the piston instead of dropping down into the block.
Then you can pull the old seal, install the new one and put the
spring back on.
I have used this method in the past with great success (for
example when installing a checking spring to dial in a cam, or
measure piston to valve clearance, you don't want to have to
pull the heads just for that.)
If for some reason the pistons do not come up high enough in
the bores to prevent the valves from dropping down inside, you
may be able to hold the valve in place with a strong magnet
or a thin clamp under the spring as you pull the keepers, then
use a spring clamp or something to make sure it doesn't drop
down in. I think the "TDC method" should work for you though.
I should think that its a mighty low compression motor that
would allow the valves to drop into the block with the cylinder
at TDC.
I hope that helps - good luck!
--
-Jon-
.-- Jon Steiger ---- jon@dakota-truck.net or jon@jonsteiger.com --.
| 1970 Barracuda - 1990 Dakota 'vert - 1992 Ram 4x4 - 1996 Dakota |
| 1996 Intruder 1400 - 1996 Kolb FireFly - 2001 Ram QC 3500 CTD |
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