Almost dropped a valve. Need input.

[Tad Farmer]

So I bought a 79 Malibu with a 350 in it. Had some valve train noise. I ended up taking the valve covers off to inspect the valve train. This is what I found. Now my question is, can I put the #8 cylinder to TDC, compress the valve spring and remove the little bits of keeper. Now the valve will drop down into the cylinder but with it at TDC will the valve fall all the way into the cylinder or will there still be enough of the stem for me to grab so I can pull it up and pressurize it? If it will drop completely out of the head I have heard of removing the spark plug, stuffing some 550/paracord into the cylinder so it is full. Then the valve will not drop all the way so I can still be able to grab the stem, then pull the cord out and pressurize the cylinder. Any and all info is appreciated. With that being said I am trying to avoid pulling the head.

Thanks
Tad

 

[Wageslave]

The paracord will work if you have it on hand. Another good way is to supply air pressure through the spark plug hole. Doesn't have to be a lot, 40 pounds should be plenty. Most parts stores have adaptor kits just for this purpose that you can rent.

Just remember, the rest of that keeper is floating around in the oil. Change your oil and filter IMMEDIATELY after completing this repair. Possibly even change it again after a few hundred miles.

Good luck,

Wageslave

 

[Tad Farmer]

The compressed air would work but the valve is dropped maybe 1/8th of an inch so it is not sealed so there would be no way to pressurize the cylinder. On the last picture you can see the difference between that valve stem and the one next to it. I will do the cord trick i think just to be sure it will not drop all the way in. Thanks Wageslave.

Tad

 

[UNGN]

If you have an aircompressor, buy the hose designed for valve spring removal and pressurize the cylinder. A length of exhaust pipe on the L-bar takes the pressure off your hands when compressing the spring and have a magnet-on-a-stick right there when you compress it and the keepers will literally jump onto the magnet.

Run the magnet around the head to pick up any bits that haven't fallen deeper into the engine.

 

[TURNA]

Pull the head

Check to make sure the valve did not bend

 

[pontiacgp]

If you have valve train noise the cause of that is low oil pressure and/or valve lash adjustment and/or defective valve lifters. What are you looking for removing the keepers and the valve spring?

 

[Bar50]

Air pressure will hold it up.

Even if it's open a little when you start, the pressure will close it.

 

[Tad Farmer]

If you have valve train noise the cause of that is low oil pressure and/or valve lash adjustment and/or defective valve lifters. What are you looking for removing the keepers and the valve spring?

The reason for the noise is a couple rockers are loose. Upon inspection i seen that One of the keepers on the valve was gone. When I pulled the rocker i pulled the other keeper out with a magnet. The only thing holding the valve up are the bottom half of the keepers where they broke. I need to get the spring off to get those bits out and and put new keepers in.

I am going to use the cord trick and pull that spring. The valve has not dropped all the way in because the little bit of keepers left. If the valve is bent I should be able to see it. If it is questionable I will end up pullo my the head. Then going to do an oil change if all looks well.

Thanks for the reply
Tad

 

[pontiacgp]

The reason for the noise is a couple rockers are loose. Upon inspection i seen that One of the keepers on the valve was gone. When I pulled the rocker i pulled the other keeper out with a magnet. The only thing holding the valve up are the bottom half of the keepers where they broke. I need to get the spring off to get those bits out and and put new keepers in.

I am going to use the cord trick and pull that spring. The valve has not dropped all the way in because the little bit of keepers left. If the valve is bent I should be able to see it. If it is questionable I will end up pullo my the head. Then going to do an oil change if all looks well.

Thanks for the reply
Tad

I understand now, I used a long hockey skate lace when I did changed my valve springs

 

[UNGN]

Pull the head

Check to make sure the valve did not bend

He'll know if the valve is bent as soon as he hooks air up to the cylinder with both rockers off 🙂