Help installing valves

[48fordnut]

Any one near mid ga 31088 that would like to be compensated for installing valves in a flathead? Be glad to do the work, just can't get the guides down to install clip.
Thanks,


jim

[JSeery]

Do you have good quality tools? It is easier with a well built proper fitting pry bar. I like the older ones, you can sometimes find them on ebay. But, it is easier with a helping hand.

[48fordnut]

I have 2 of the forked pry bars. Good quality. They don't have snap on or craftsman on them but I reckon they are good quality. Having difficulty getting the clip on the guide.
Yes a extra set of hands would be helpful.


Thanks,
jim

[alanwoodieman]

it is a lot easier to do with four hands

[Tinker]

I've seen this a bit posted lately on installing valves. Please explain?


Cam down on heal, adjustable lifters lowered (a plus). Fork one hand add keeper with the other. Or not. Guides too tight? If the guides don't fit no matter the fork pressure to get them down won't work.


nothing wrong with another set of hands/heads ever.

[19Fordy]

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Here's a video plus lots of info on how to install the valve horseshoe clips assuming you
have the correct tool.
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+...hrome&ie=UTF-8

You might want to consider holding the clip with a pair of needle nose vise grips instead of your fingers so you can see what your doing.
Here's the tool.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Old-Vtg-For...QAAOSwdZRc4Gqa
Here's the vise grips.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VISE-GRIP-T...QAAOSwcj1c7GQs

[Brian]

I've been known to use a screwdriver through the inlet ports to compress the guide[s] down to fit clips. Gives fat fingers a bit more room.

[Mart]

I use Brian's method above but have a tire lever that is just the right shape to do it nicely. Only works for inlets though, obviously.

It is worth mentioning that a good original valve lever tool from back in the day will have subtle shaping to the prongs that go around the guide groove. Modern ones have lost that and are a bit crude by comparison.

To the OP: Try doing a dummy run with no spring or a very light spring. See what the tool is supposed to do, and hone your technique. It should be a very simple task.

Maybe I could knock together a how to video on the subject.

Mart.

[flatheadmurre]

If you get in to "high" on the springs they will bound and not let the guide come down enough to put the horseshoe clip in...if that is the issue with not getting the clip in...
And if working with split guides make sure the "seam" face out towards the picklefork.

[Mac VP]

Sometimes the new horseshoe clips are just a tad too tight for the groove in the valve guide. It’s a good idea to check the fit on all 16 clips before final installation. Touch the insides of the clip “claws” with a rotary stone to gain the slide-in fit you want. Otherwise you could be fighting to put them into place while prying the valve assembly down.

[Frank Miller]

They may be better now but I've had to sand down the rubber on the intake seals to get them to fit. A little wd40 does not hurt either. As Mac said the clips may be tight but you may as well make sure it all goes together without fighting the spring pressure.

[48fordnut]

Thanks for all the replies. The guide is loose in the bore, no rubber seal, the clips fit well.Just not able to get the guide down far enough for the clip to slip in. I have tried the screwdriver to get it down, to no avail.

[Mart]

Is the cam trying to hold that valve open? (Ideally the valve needs to be in the closed position)