Releasing valve retainers

Doug 13

Member
Do I just use that bent screw driver looking tool to release the valve retainers? Or that other tool that looks like it compresses the springs? 1948 FORD 8N with rotating valves.
 
(quoted from post at 20:03:28 09/23/22) Do I just use that bent screw driver looking tool to release the valve retainers? Or that other tool that looks like it compresses the springs? 1948 FORD 8N with rotating valves.

That would depend upon what you are trying to do, if removing the valves, guides, springs, spring retainer and keepers as a complete unit, working with a bent pry bar through an intake or exhaust port, pry the guide downward a little, pull the retainer, then pry the whole assembly upward and out of the block.

It will resist, and greatly if a lot of hours on the engine and/or the guide is crudded in place.

If just removing the valve you use a valve spring compressor to release the keepers, then pull just the valve upward and out of the block.
 
Good luck trying to find one of those original FORD tools; they are probably all long gone. There is a good DVD by J&D Productions, (www.farmtractorepair.com) that has a D-I-Y instructional and they show how to grind an old screwdriver to make your own. Also, the host on that video has a daughter who has several DIY You-Tube videos on projects; gaggle Wrenching With Rachel...

From the OEM 8N Operator's Manual and the I&T FO-4 Manual:
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Tim Daley(MI)
 

Those rotating locks/clips/retainers put up a good fight : (

FIRST plug up all the holes in the block!!! sure as ell you will drop a couple it never fails.

If the valve guides are stuck most are I use a regular automotive spring compressor.

If all fails I pull out a propane torch rotate the cam/lifter up, while heating the springs use a screwdriver/pry bar and collapse the spring. Sounds like its hard to do it works fast : ) with no damage to the valve itself. Remove the spring and retainer use a punch (a brass one would be nice) to drive the guide down and out. Yes you will need new springs I would go back with the OEM set up anyways life will be good.

If you consider what I charge for my time its cheaper for me and you this way. I have spend hours freeing up guides at 2 bucks a minute it gets expensive. Even then it may need all new parts.

I have a personal N project I decided to see how long it would take to free up the guides so when I walked by it got the penetrate treatment it took a year of spraying and prying. I am in no hurry that was 20 years ago its still setting waiting for my next move.
 
(quoted from post at 01:27:34 09/24/22) Also, the host on that video has a daughter who has several DIY You-Tube videos on projects; gaggle Wrenching With Rachel...

Tim Daley(MI)

I agree, EXCEPT the part where she attempts to cut new valve seats. That part is a disaster.
 
(quoted from post at 09:03:28 09/24/22)
(quoted from post at 01:27:34 09/24/22) Also, the host on that video has a daughter who has several DIY You-Tube videos on projects; gaggle Wrenching With Rachel...

Tim Daley(MI)

I agree, EXCEPT the part where she attempts to cut new valve seats. That part is a disaster.

I agree,also not very knowledgeable about using a torque wrench.
Nothing about warming to operating temperature and retorqing the head.
 
(quoted from post at 04:39:55 09/24/22)
Those rotating locks/clips/retainers put up a good fight : (

FIRST plug up all the holes in the block!!! sure as ell you will drop a couple it never fails.

If the valve guides are stuck most are I use a regular automotive spring compressor.

If all fails I pull out a propane torch rotate the cam/lifter up, while heating the springs use a screwdriver/pry bar and collapse the spring. Sounds like its hard to do it works fast : ) with no damage to the valve itself. Remove the spring and retainer use a punch (a brass one would be nice) to drive the guide down and out. Yes you will need new springs I would go back with the OEM set up anyways life will be good.

If you consider what I charge for my time its cheaper for me and you this way. I have spend hours freeing up guides at 2 bucks a minute it gets expensive. Even then it may need all new parts.

I have a personal N project I decided to see how long it would take to free up the guides so when I walked by it got the penetrate treatment it took a year of spraying and prying. I am in no hurry that was 20 years ago its still setting waiting for my next move.

Thanks to all for the good info. Maybe I can buy a valve spring compressor on this site. Also need the sleeve puller.
 

Removing the valve retainer clips took hours. Now I only have 3 stuck valves. Heat is next. Making progress!
 

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