Part of Lesson Plan: **Remove and Replace a Valve (updated) by Steve Nagle

Activity Overview / Details

Releasing the valve spring compressor jaw tension with the keepers/lock removed should allow the spring to relax.  If the valve spring compressor tension is released and the valve spring does not release its tension, the retainer is hanging up on the old valve oil control seal.  

DANGER: If the valve spring does not relax when the valve spring compressor is removed, there is a potential of the retainer and valve spring to be projected at a high rate of speed.  

If you should encounter a hanging valve spring, cover the spring with a shop rag.  Carefully tap in the tip of the valve stem with the rag over the tip.  When the tension is released the spring will be caught safely in the rag.

I have had valve springs fly off across the shop and break a window across the room!