Joined: Thu Oct 14 2021, 11:37AM
Location: 93401
Posts: 72
Looks like work hardened stem tips. If you're going to rebuild the heads then new valves will solve that. Otherwise, lash caps. Any results from the leak down test?
No, no leak down test yet. I may be pulling the heads here anyway. I determined to replace the stem seals and see if that resolves my issue for a bit as I remembered I have a Mahle full engine gasket set sitting in the garage. BUT I can't get the locks, retainers, and stem to separate. I have tried both air and rope to hole the valves up. Tried smacking the retainers with a dead blow before compressing the springs. Nothing has worked yet.
Interestingly, these are factory 915 heads. I didn't think factory heads were dual spring. But they clearly are.
Joined: Thu Oct 14 2021, 11:37AM
Location: 93401
Posts: 72
I used a couple types of spring compressors. The one that worked the best was the lever type pictured here. I believe it was designed for FIAT engines (my friend had it in his machine shop). Also rotated the engine so that the piston was at TDC for each pair I worked on, this helped break the bond of the retainer when whacking it.
Yeah the valve hits the piston before the spring hits the seat when compressed but the retainer won't pop loose.
If they were on the bench I'd do it the way I was taught in the machine shop, hammer and deep socket over the retainer and a sharp smack. But I think if I end up having to pull em I'm just going to replace them.
I got 2,4,6, and intake on #8. The blower is in the way for #8. Gunna fire up the mill later this week and make a tool I can ue on it. Or I may say fudge it and see what happens
