Bad valve spring...

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Dec 12, 2005 | 11:25 AM

closer9

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 41

Likes: 0

Bad valve spring...

I've got a cracked/broken/worn out exhaust valve spring on my 390. Won't close the valve, and I've got almost no compression in that cylinder. Haven't had a chance to pull it yet, just know that I an open the valve by hand.

I've called around to all the parts stores, but no one has one in stock. They could order one over night, and it will be around $6. No problem there. I'm just curious does anyone familiar with FE engines think it would be worthwhile to just replace all the springs while I'm in there along with seals or just replace the bad spring and be done with it.

I've noticed a few sets of springs on ebay that seem to be going fairly cheap. One is an Edelbrock set, and not sure about the other...

Just looking for opinions...

This is just an old parts chaser with a tired 390, not a daily driver or anything nice. Some day it may get restored, but probably not with a 390.

Dec 12, 2005 | 11:41 AM

RapidRuss

FE "Freakin Expensive"

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 6,461

Likes: 4

From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA

Well if its an old beater..All the springs are probably tired also..and if your going to restore it at a later date and not use the 390? I'd just use an airhold tool to keep the valve up and replace the spring and seal..and call it good til it takes a crap again!! LOL

Russ

Dec 12, 2005 | 01:54 PM

bertha66

Lead Driver

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 8,062

Likes: 35

From: Central Oregon

I f you don't have the air tool to hold the valve, you can use alenth of small cord. Turn the piston all the way to the bottom, push in cord, about 3'worth, leaving some to get a hold of and turn the piston up th o the top. This will hold the valve in place so you can pull the spring.

Dec 12, 2005 | 02:23 PM

closer9

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 41

Likes: 0

Well, I found a machine shop/engine rebuilder here in town that had 4 springs on the shelf. Got 2 for a little over $5. Figured just fix the known problem is best, but I got an extra just in case another goes...

I have the air attachment, and plenty of compressor to hold it, but as old as this engine is I don't trust it, so I'll be using the nylon rope method. No chance of losing the valve...

Dec 12, 2005 | 02:31 PM

"Beemer Nut"

Post Fiend

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 6,658

Likes: 4

From: "Islander"

If you use Hemp rope you'll have something to smoke as a reward for job well done. Just kidding, I did the rope trick and turned the motor over, this sucked the short tail into the cylinder. A half hour battle later I landed that marlin.
Above said I would use air and replace all springs and umbrellas as well remove any old umbrella pieces.
.....=o&o>.....

Dec 12, 2005 | 04:11 PM

closer9

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 41

Likes: 0

Well, I'm trying to avoid doing much to this truck. I don't drive it much, and really only bought it to haul parts while rebuilding my '67 Belvedere, and drive on bad weather days.

I made a deal with a friend to sell him this truck next summer. He's going to rebuild it all with a 460 drivetrain he already has. In fact the frame is all he really needs (and a new short bed. This truck's sheet metal is rust free, but pretty wrinkled). I've got a lead on a '78 Flareside, that I might pick up, but if I do I'll probably just scrap this 390, and hunt a 302...

So, long story short... I think one valve spring is all I have the patience for right now... I changed the timing chain over Thanksgiving, so hopefully this will get me through the Winter...

Thanks for the advice...