Top End Tear Down

[HaggisHombre]

Hi chuck it does look that way. I will have to figure out how to get the valves out our go buy a tool for the job. After inspection if I find all is well I will re-seat the valves, it has been over 30 years since I have done that however I believe it is relatively easy.

[Nessism]

You can remove the valves pretty easily following this sequence shared by Squaredance Lynn:

Stuff rag into combustion chamber and flip over head on sturdy workbench.

Remove valve bucket and place sturdy socket over top valve.

Wack socket with a hammer (dead blow hammer is best) - good solid blast.

Socket will compress the spring retainer and the locks will jump out.

Always keep the valve in it's original hole so number them in advance of removal.

[JAG]

Alternatively buy a valve spring compressor. They're not expensive, and unless there is another trick with a hammer , you'll need one to get the valves back in.

Expect to pay around $50, or make your own by making an adapter for a suitably sized G clamp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaY2coZLDSM

[tkent02]

A large C clamp and a piece of PVC pipe with a window cut in it to get the keeper out works just fine. Much easier to take them out with a socket and a hammer.

[Sci85]

Here's what the tool looks like.

[HaggisHombre]

Cool, all great suggestions.

[JTGS850GL]

I've always cringed when someone suggests to simply smack the heck out of the valve to get the keepers to jump out. What is this, a Whac-A-Mole game? I've seen people really mess up a keeper or valve groove doing just that. On top of that there's no way to get the keeper back in without a tool, so you'll end up having to get a tool for that anyway. I’d just get (or make) the right tool for the job. An 8" C-clamp and PVC will work out just fine. Personally I've made one out of a C-clamp and a cut out thin walled socket for durability. Works on my GS and Nissan Z engines.

[JAG]

I've always cringed when someone suggests to simply smack the heck out of the valve to get the keepers to jump out. What is this, a Whac-A-Mole game? I've seen people really mess up a keeper or valve groove doing just that. On top of that there's no way to get the keeper back in without a tool, so you'll end up having to get a tool for that anyway. I’d just get (or make) the right tool for the job. An 8" C-clamp and PVC will work out just fine. Personally I've made one out of a C-clamp and a cut out thin walled socket for durability. Works on my GS and Nissan Z engines.

+10 In total and utter agreement. The quick way, I have often found, is not necessarily the BEST way