How To Remove Valve Springs In The Car -EricTheCarGuy

How To Remove Valve Springs In The Car came about after the last video I did about removing valve springs from a cylinder head.
• How To Remove and Repl...
So for this video I show how to do the process while the cylinder head is still attached to the engine inside the vehicle. As stated in the video, if you don't have compressed air to work with, you can also use a piece of rope or rubber hose. I'd recommend a piece of cloths line. It's a good diameter and seems to work well as a substitute to compressed air. So the next time you need to do valve seals while the engine is still in the vehicle, you can use this information to get that job done.
FYI there is a video of the disassembly of the engine available to Premium Members of EricTheCarGuy.com. Here's a link if you're interested in that.
www.ericthecarguy.com/premium-...
Camera: Brian Kast
Tools
Lisle Valve Spring Tool: www.jbtoolsales.com/lisle-3605...
Valve Spring Tool: www.jbtoolsales.com/performanc...
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Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[@andrewbutton5580]

I have a Masters Degree in Digital Instruction Design, and you sir have the best information videos of anybody. Come back soon, I mean it. I have been working on this stuff since the 70s and I still learn from all your videos. Videography, instruction, ways of explaining, you put them all to shame.

[@inkedinRl]

One thing you forgot to say.. Block pushrod and oil return holes. When reinstalling the keepers so people don't drop them inside the engine! Love that tool!

[@hyundaiverna]

Very good piece of advice as keepers like to fly all over the place!

[@fatwalletboy2]

And clean around the spark plug holes before removing them.

[@timothyvotaw7517]

Easily the best how-to mechanic on the Tube. Takes it slow, adds commentary where helpful, and accurate about the processes, so it's reliable. I check his stuff when I want a refresher, or a second opinion to my own. Nice guy to boot, no arrogance or ego stuff.

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

That tool by Lisle is awesome, what a difference. *THANK YOU, Eric!*

[@MichalskiChristopher]

Thanks for your video... Replacing the seals on my '91 Colony Park and purchased the Lisle tools you used :-)

[@MichaelRogersJesusrules]

Love that tool , i have the other type , happily got rid of the old G clamp style ones i used for many years. good videos ,God bless you.

[@donsol1406]

Great Video! You forgot to mention to lock the crank to keep the compressed air from pushing the piston down.

[@I_AM_ALL_THAT_WAS]

You won’t need to do that because the spark plugs are still in the remaining cylinders and that will hold the vacuum in the other cylinders which will prevent any positive or negative pressure changes.

[@oxygenium92]

i didn't realise it could be that simple. thx Eric, great vid.

[@transdetendal]

never seen this tool in my life , even tho ive worked on that type of jobs pretty often !! thanx for showing an awsome tool!!

[@saracen7774]

Great vid..u saved me time taking the head off..thanks Eric.

[@charleshoward9983]

ah man I love that tool. I wish I knew about that along time ago.. Time saver there. Eric man I really appreciate the video it was a great one. learn something new every day. Thanks again Eric. Keep those KILLER videos coming....

[@hectorsoto4157]

ERIC thank you for showing me and others how to take off and replace the valve spring I'm going to use the compress air method looks way easier to do that way have a 2008 Chrysler Pacifica 1.8 spring actually broke so needs replacing. Thanks again awesome and simple how to video.

[@InverJaze]

Excellent video great shortcut.

[@michaelavrie]

I learn so much in every one of your videos. That tool you use with a hammer is fantastic. I've been putting off my valve stem seals for years but now I won't any longer!

[@mbarizia]

i always preferred doing this job with listle valve keepers removal/installer tool! perfect straight forward tool even with the head still attached to the block!

[@bluegizmo1983]

Old video, I know... but another reason for removing valve springs in the car is a situation like mine: I just built a 351W with AFR heads, and the heads recommend only using a roller camshaft because the valve spring seat pressures and open pressures are borderline right on the limit of what should be possible for a flat tappet cam. Well, I went with a hydraulic flat tappet camshaft anyway, and to make it hopefully safer I'm doing the engine break-in with all the inner valve springs removed, then I will need to reinstall the inner valve springs after the break-in, which means doing all this in the car like this video 👍

[@radarw64]

This is so cool! Thank you so much. I have a '78 d100 that is kind of embarrassing when you start it. I think I will try this method this summer.

[@ericpeterson9676]

How much pressure did you use 30 psi? And what size tank for air would be recommended?

[@dennisbryant4109]

Thanks for the video! Saved me alot of time and headache. Much appreciated!

[@codylibrande9575]

Hey Eric, I'm not sure if you've done yet or not but I have always had the hardest time understanding the purpose and function of an EGR system. If I'm not mistaken your Fairmont has an EGR system and I think it would make an excellent video to just go through and explain the system/components, and how everything comes together to help (or hinder) the engine. Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@zx8401ztv]

Love the old pushrod designs :-) Cracking tool eric :-))

[@darioandrade8558]

SPREAD KNOWLEDGE ,WORLDWIDE!!!!GOOD JOB DUDE

[@insylem]

Hey, the Rubber hose/ Rope method that you mentioned is how our A&P instructer taught us to do that same job on an aircraft engine. In my case he used a rope.

[@QuiK075]

That tool it’s awesome, wish I knew about it before. Pretty fast to work with. 👍👍

[@calybhill5231]

thank you so much, best video I have seen on how to remove the valve spring

[@raafatnia]

Thanks for ur vid 👍 Here I have a question: how much air pressure do we have to put in the cylinder? (In bar)

[@Frijol.Studio]

Hello Eric, awesome video by the way 👌🏾 I have a 2008 Honda Odyssey 3.5 engine and what to change the valve seals. Will the Lisle 36050 tool work on my Honda Odyssey?

[@fasnuf]

Is the compressed air method at TDC a risk of the engine rotating?

[@dickeymoore7365]

When doing a small block Chevy 350 engine do you have to do all the Pistons on top dead center

[@SomeGuyInSandy]

Mind blown, very cool Eric!

[@shawncoffin1153]

Great video Eric, thank you!

[@samjohnson466]

I never did this job with the head installed, always wondered if were possible. Thanks I will review this video again if valve springs become an issue. Wondering how much pressure to apply to cylinder, seems like to much may drop piston down, or do you lock the crank in some way? I'm thinking transmission in gear but that might prove how stupid I can be.

[@nemslik1]

Thanks for the great tip

[@lyndonchappell]

Eric, have you ever used the Lisle 36050 tool on a Dodge 4.7L while in the car? I'm wondering if the rear cylinders may be too tight.

[@dannyal467]

omg the only video i seen doing this while engine still in car how much would it cost to do this for a 1979 camaro v8 ? estimating thanks man stay safe here from california 👍🏻

[@NGinuity]

Watching you work on that Fairmont brings back horrible, horrible memories from childhood...lol We bought a used '82 in 1986 and kept it until the late 90's as the family wagon. In that time, the paint had all but fallen off down to the primer, my brother accidentally shot out the two back windows with a BB gun, and since we didn't have the money, my step father replaced them with plywood and liquid nails. We eventually found a donor Fairmont that had all the glass, and the interior was in good shape, so that all got transplanted. Then the engine started going in it. The drivetrain was solid, but as a kid, you can imagine my embarrassment to be seen in it. Then again, my first car was a '76 Pinto (in Yellow) that we shoved a V6 engine from an LTD into after I bought it from someone who just rebuilt the engine and didn't seat the rings right (blowby REALLY bad, I was having to stuff new steel wool into the bypass cap every week).

[@nos1000100]

hey EricTheCarGuy . What engine are you planing to put in the fairmont? I was thinking that a 351 would be a great fit.

[@ericpeterson9676]

I gotta 1996 Acura that I need to do this to. I was just wondering if you can do one all the way through step by step.

[@ericthecarguy]

This one was requested a little while back. How To Remove Valve Springs In The Car -EricTheCarGuy

[@romansmakal1669]

Dat tool uses magic power! Bam, its off, Bam its on :D

[@09Mrsubaru]

Roman Šmakal Lol

[@FishFind3000]

What would happen if you goof and the value falls in?

[@FishFind3000]

And how would you go about fix the problem

[@ericthecarguy]

FishFind3000 It won't go far because the piston is at TDC

[@neiljeffery]

Is the rope/hose in the combustion chamber just to stop the valve falling, or is it required to stop the valve striking the piston head?

[@Haloruler64]

When removing and replacing the valve seal, you need to keep the cylinder pressurized right? I'm considering doing this job on my 1ZZ-FE MR2 Spyder, as I've heard the valve seals tend to be a problem on those engines.

[@chrissupport]

I like your video - will look for others by you... clear, concise, and no wasted time (or blaring music). Got to replace valve stem seals in 93 GMC 1500 4.3L, and this looks good (assume using Lisle tool 36200 or kit 36050), but wondering how to remove springs in back of engine by AC plenum where there's not enough room to swing a hammer dead on.

[@dvddmc]

I love how much room you have to work in engine bay on that ford just like my good ol ford truck very easy and simple with a lot of room compared to a lot of todays cars

[@400ss]

Look up 300zx Twin Turbo engine bay.

[@miguelmartinez-kr7ps]

400SS I looked up that engine bay. Man, that was one sexy bay. It would be hell trying to work in it though

[@sc3ku]

Instead of a hose or rope, use a spark plug wire with the boot/metal connector cut off. Retains some softness but it very tough and won't shred or tear as easily as a hose or rope.

[@evelynedwin2472]

@EricTheCarGuy can you do a video like this on a J35 engine? And if the spark plug tubes need to be remove, please include that in the video.

[@Keithguinn97]

Wish I could just come learn in the garage with you! Haha

[@SamSam-ke9zy]

Is it important to replace all the valve springs together or is it just fine to replace one?

[@vcdrny]

Thanks great video.

[@rickeysweeney1174]

Great job it’s more detail thanks

[@ryankadharnauth3209]

Hello, this may be a dumb question as my mechanical experience is limited. You're not removing all spark plugs, just removing the ones where each cylinder is and keeping the rest in place?

[@MrRickarriaga]

Can you use compressed air to change springs without intake ?

[@desmond9704]

Just the information I need. My 07 R56 has a p0303, after doing compression tests on all four cylinders, cylinder three has zero compression. As you know, it is a lot of work to access the head for removal on a Mini Cooper. This is a great alternative.

[@jayramirez8213]

one of the best, thanx man

[@SilentGamer-jt8dl]

If you drop a valve, you days going to get bad real fast xD. excellent video, used the rope method when changing the valve stem seals on a toyota corolla.

[@Moneychain2]

So once you (TDC) and air pressure. You can remove all of them?

[@2cyclemix]

Cool tool. Looks like the hardest part is removing the spark plug and valve cover.

[@bigdeal87]

Is it possible with a small compressor tank like 8 liters? And how high should be the psi output? Is there a maximum or minimum? Thanks

[@greenspiraldragon]

I don't really want to mess with the timing can I do it without moving the engine to top dead center?

[@jh57220]

Can this tool be used on LS engines? When searching this tool doesn't come up, but is there any reason it couldn't be used? And, can I use it to install double springs?

[@wolfmazter]

+ericthecarguy where can I get the tool you used to remove and install valve keepers?

[@OldCrowsClassicCars]

Great car, great guy great video!

[@XxchickMagnetx]

I am trying to do this in my 98 eclipse and every time I go to put the springs back together I’ll hit the hammer as hard as I can and it won’t compress the spring and put the keepers around the valve. Plz help I need to get this done ASAP!

[@catscratchfever8321]

WHAT PSI PRESSURE DO YOU USE IN THE CYLINDERS?? Please reply!! I need to do this ASAP

[@ashmargag1]

Thats why I watched this video is to find out the psi to use.

[@UFOGHOSTHUNTER]

I plugged n my 2.5 Gal air compressor from Harbor Freight and it held them in place quite well.

[@johndoe2022]

How much PSI needs to fill the piston while doing the compressed air method?

[@anthonyfranco2757]

Can u perform this method on an ohc engine?

[@maurice34489]

Hey Eric how to estimate the amount on a car repair

[@TOUGHlifeATfive5]

Hey, great video. Do you have one on timeing belt change on honda CRV? I got to do that on my wifes car this weekend. Her belts are super loud. By the way man you look like you lost weight, good for you man.

[@car_ventures]

Excellent vid, thank you! i have to replace the valve stem seals on my trans am (blue smoke on start up). What sort of psi was in the airline? Also, does the piston you're working on need to be at TDC? or just align piston 1 to TDC, then leave it as is, so when you're working on say piston 3, you haven't had to touch the crank rotation since piston 1, as piston 1 is still at TDC? thanks!

[@UberAlphaSirus]

You will need to move each piston to or as near as possibly to tdc. The air will push the piston down otherwise and the valves are more likely to disappear if anything goes wrong.

[@car_ventures]

ok thanks for clarifying that. I got a bit confused because when he moved to cylinder 2 in the vid, he didn't seem to change the crank... maybe he forgot or cut it from the vid. I was kinda hoping he would show it, because i'm not sure how to tell when each cylinder is at TDC. I know that lining up the initial mark on the crank will tell you that piston 1 is at TDC (the way it was shown at the start of the vid), but not sure to work out the others. Hope that made sense!

[@UberAlphaSirus]

He didn't change cylinder, it was all on the the 1st. This engine has one exhaust and one intake valve per cylinder. Once the plugs are out you can poke a wire thru the hole and get it approximate. As long as it is close the air can't push the piston down . Maybe watch it a few times over before you do yours :D

[@car_ventures]

Ahh, that does make sense! Didn't realise he was moving to a different valve, mis-interpreted it as a different cylinder, thanks for pointing it out. Ye will definitely need to watch it a few more times, not something you want to mess up... thanks for the advice!

[@mattwood1977]

Thanks for the video, Eric, it was clear, concise and helpful. I have a couple questions: Will the rope/hose method still work okay with the tool you recommended? (It'll save me having to buy an adapter for my air compressor) And, why does the piston need to be at TDC? I don't see why that would affect the valves in any way as the rocker arms will be removed and the valves shouldn't be going into the combustion chamber anyway. I'm sure you're a busy guy so I wont be too disappointed if I never get a response :)

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

Don't the new springs have to be shimmed so that they all have the same spring pressure?

[@fluffy-_-bush]

how much air pressure should i put in the valve hole.

[@lostrhino73]

Can this lisle tool be used with cam still in on a 4.7 Jeep commander?

[@678friedbed]

what engine is that? im a fan of fords straight 6's. so if my engine puffs out bluish smoke at start up after siting all night, is that a sign of bad valve seals?

[@UFOGHOSTHUNTER]

Yes.

[@Newbenwindowcleaningcom]

Eric , one of the youtube videos , showing with only pressing hard and no hammer needed , seems works ..

[@adriannnf]

Eric you really need to work at a school and teach about cars or do something like scanner danner does. I would pay to move over there just to attend your class. Your videos always make me wanna pursue an automotive education. Just wanted to let you know! Thanks again and stay dirty ;)

[@fightback5373]

Thank you so mucb

[@davidnoel8081]

Eric like valve tool ,one i use always give me trouble ,

[@randyallyn7886]

Eric Cook I go to a Job Corps facility and I'm in the automotive trade. Sadly Job Corps has strict internet policy and I can only get on youtube with an education filter, is there anyway you can add the edu tag? Thank you, much appreciated.

[@SoundwaveSamurai]

whats psi set at??

[@mythomas23]

How do you turn the engine?

[@mythomas23]

What if the Piston is too far down what can you do ?I have a Ford Mustang 2006 with a bad valve spring but looks like valve fail into the motor

[@cmdr_scotty]

What psi do you recommend having the compressor set to? I'm gonna need to do this soon on my 87 crx

[@Acid1789]

Use needle nose pliers to pull the keepers out of the tool :)

[@quneur]

I noticed on your ETCG1 video about the Acura Vigor that you don't care to secure your car. If I was a thief, your Acura would be a prime target. Its not the car but what's on your sun visor; garage door opener. A friend's car was broken into while at work. They took his registration and garage door opener. They had his address, egress into his house and knowledge he was at work. I would strongly suggest you secure your vehicle.

[@Darjan_Spasojevic]

Eric looking baked...

[@volumeboy]

If only is was that easy on LS based engines.

[@seeburg220]

You didn't mention about getting each cylinder to TDC; you only mentioned it on #1.. Also, that tool looks expensive. I use a valve spring crow bar that attaches to the rocker stud.

[@Designandrew]

Hi Eric I have a 1985 celica xx it's been sitting for several years, I'm trying to get it running it has 1GGTE twin turbo 6 cyl engine. The starter motor just clicks but doesnt work, so I've tried pull starting it, but I think it has stale fuel. I put fresh fuel in but still no go. What can I do? I cant see where the fuel line is. How can I get the stale fuel out? Thanks Eric

[@martingrahdu8987]

If its multiple clicks you probly dont have enough power from your battery or battery conections a starter will always in my experience be just one click or metalic clank

[@craigwilliamson9041]

I had a valve spring brake they found it in the oil pan and the car shield adjuster told the Ford dealer to put a new valve spring on and the truck would be fine is this true

[@WhiteToss]

"The air was leaking through piston rings, and that is OK" fot this car, or for every car? Newer cars also will leak air?

[@wades623]

All pistons have a space in between the ring ends

[@jayamd3579]

Hello Eric i know your a fan of Wheeler Dealers, do you remember the episode featuring my fave car that had the blue smoke? the issue was the with the cylinder head ;) ill give you a cookie if you name the car and make a video about it hehe

[@Hudbudd]

Hey Eric. I nominate your for the ice bucket challange.

[@Hudbudd]

Darn. You already did it

[@jdmuncrownedkingz4720]

hey eric I really need your help < I have a 1997 Honda civic 5 speed and randomly while im driving my cars speedometer, rpm will start freaking out my check engine will flash and I can feel my car jolt I was also hearing a clicking noise one the pasernger side of the car . please help

[@rickeyl.mcspaddenii4729]

Do I need to move the rope into each cylinder or just put it into one cylinder one time? Once the seals are replaced, does the timing need to be adjusted or anything else?

[@GOGSANGEL]

You would have to move the rope to each cylinder

[@rickeyl.mcspaddenii4729]

Ok. Thank you

[@IceInMaWeiner]

Is little to no oil pressure an expensive fix?

[@videoflyguy]

Depends completely on whats wrong with it. If you let it run with low oil pressure for a long time you may need to rebuild part or all of your engine.

[@TheRealRiddla]

Hey man. I stripped the coolant thermostat bolt on my car. Now the whole bolt part of the thermostat has been drilled off but the rest is still stuck instead. Any ideas how to get the rest out without damaging the engine?

[@AnAZPatriot]

Very small carbide drill, and drill out the center of the bolt. Go to a slightly larger one until right before you get to thread depth, then pick out the remaining coils of the bolt. OR...just drill it out to the entire size, and put a coil-over in it. You can use a coil-over also if you screw up the fine drilling part and ruin the threads. Unfortunately, a good tap-and-die set isnt cheap. Normally I would say using an easy-out, except Im imagining the bolt sheared off because its rusted into the hole.

[@shakabrada3]

can you use this same method on a 08 Dodge 5.7 hemi?

[@xxRamD3yruxx]

+shakabrada3 pretty much

[@MATMANPRO]

When you get fed up fixing cars, you could get a job as George Clooneys stand in.

[@craigzilla100]

I imagine this is a much bigger job with a modern day duel over head cam engine? Gotta remove the time chain and the cams and lifters just to get to this stage don't you?

[@ProtegeTuype]

Hi Eric ! I have a question for you , When I'm driving in the highway and passing 80 the steering wheel start to shake and I can feel like one of the tires is like bouncing roughly . What can it be ? Thank you sir .

[@WILSON.1]

There's probably a mouse in your wheel and at that speed it builds up centrifugal force.