Valve spring compressor
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,619
Likes: 340
From: Albuquerque
Valve spring compressor
Trying to change the valve springs on a 400 in a 77 F-100. Back one are hard to get to. Under the heater box and power steering set. Looking for something to get in there with.
Any ideas?
Beartracks
Any ideas?
Beartracks
Grumpy goat
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,058
Likes: 594
If you have access to an engine hoist, it's not that big of a job to lift the engine and push it to the side. I've done it for a couple of different tasks. The only issue I had with valve spring change on my 400 was the brake booster, and I just removed it. But it sounds like your underhood is set up different from my '79 F150. I used a Gear Wrench valve spring compressor.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 60
From: S.E. Louisiana;so far USA
The 1977 Ford truck shop manual says to use tool T70P-6049-A, which attaches to the fulcrum and pushes down on the retainer via a long lever arm. But as the arm projects upward from the cylinder head it looks to me that it wouldn't work too well if there is something above it like the heater/A.C. box. You may have to fabricate something like the Channel lock suggestion. Be sure to do something to keep the valve from falling into the cylinder.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,619
Likes: 340
From: Albuquerque
Interesting tool. Might work but it's costly to just try. I've got a Rube Goldberg contraption rigged up. As soon as I get over my root canal I'll try it and reply. Also considering fabbing a tool.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,619
Likes: 340
From: Albuquerque
Finanlly got cylinder number 4 under the heater box. Couldn't get a good picture but it involved a long wood clamp bolted to the apron with two arms to hold a modified prybar type compressor and a vise grip to twist the bar into position. Geez!
I sometimes think I'm Job's replacement (in the bible).
On to number eight under the power steering.
I sometimes think I'm Job's replacement (in the bible).
On to number eight under the power steering.
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Grumpy goat
Joined: May 2017
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Job? Sure you want to tempt?
Can you post a pic of how your power steering is in the way of cylinder #8? Do you have a hydro-boost or something?
Can you post a pic of how your power steering is in the way of cylinder #8? Do you have a hydro-boost or something?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,619
Likes: 340
From: Albuquerque
Finally got all the springs in. After diving into the engine compartment up to my ankles, bleeding, bruised and cursing. I'm not as good as I once was but as good once as I ever was. I'm now an expert at changing valve springs in a truck. Here are some of the tools I used. the long bar clamp with an extra adjustable clamp was a life saver. Clamp it on the fender apron and use the second clamp to hold the compressor lever while wiggling it around to drop in the locks.
Now for a compression test and reassembly on the manifold etc.
Can't get photo's to attatch. I wish they would quit "iimproving this site"
Now for a compression test and reassembly on the manifold etc.
Can't get photo's to attatch. I wish they would quit "iimproving this site"
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