Get the keepers off the valve stem

Assuming the head is OFF the vehicle........

Tap the valve upward with a soft mallet to break it loose.

Jerry

If the head is ON the vehicle, then I am confused.

No, I don't have an air compressor. I pushed rope into the cylinder and turned the crank to hold up the valve. You mean you pop the top of the spring. So you don't use the spring compressor to get the keeprs out? Only to put them in?

Thanks,

Bill

Looks to me like the seals are holding position on the valve stem, not remaining down against the head.

I'm using nylon rope which is less prone to knot (I hope, I hope, I hope).

Thank you for the good luck wish. Later, when I can invest in an air compressor I can do it more safely.

I wonder what they cost to rent.

Bill

What type of interface would you use to add compressed air to the cylinder?

Thanks,

Bill

You can kind of kill two birds with one stone if you plan on doing more engine diagnosis in the future. You can just build a cylinder leakdown tester similar to what's on this page:

Chris

Krap, that's a great idea. I have a compression tester I bought at the flea market for a couple of bucks and the hose comes right off. I'll take that and get a fitting for the compressor. I might be able to borrow one from my maitanance dept at work.

Thanks for the great info.

Bill

Thanks for the excellent ideas and links

Bill

Head is on the vehicle. What is the source of your confusion?

My Snap-on comp tester's connector matches my air lines. Make sure and remove the schraeder valve, and that the piston is at bdc, or it will spin the engine.

You need a valve wrench. Should be available at an auto or bike parts store. The simplest ones look like small metal valve caps with a metal extrusion with a slot across it and a hole at the end to bleed air. These used to be pretty common and actually used as valve caps until the smartalecs started using them to remove the valve under them. Now most come with a loop for attaching to a key chain.

The bigger type is a more specialized tire tool, has the same valve wrench on it, but has the ability to be cocked to the side at 90 degrees for leverage, like a breaker bar. Some even have a torque wrench built in for accurate seating of the valves.

A typical all in one tool looks sorta like this:

Well, I guess it depends if you are trying to remove engine valves or tire valves... or not particularly paying attention to the subject line, or haven't had enough caffeine after lunch. Or are just having yet another "duhhhhh" moment since I allegedly drink enough caffeine to prevent Alzheimers for an entire army.