Dear forum,

I went and got the NUB tool for replacing valve springs with heads on bike. It is a fine piece of kit, but I have a problem: The valve keepers are stuck to the retainers. When I tighten the NUB tool, the valve simply opens. I have hit the keeper/retainer area with WD-40 and I have tapped it with a hammer with no result. Any suggestions on how to progress here?

 

With the valve in the head, no tools attached. Hit the valve hat with a hammer enough that you hear the valve bounce. Then try your tool again. Usually works.

Good luck,
Tom

 

With a soft hammer, like a brass or lead hammer, gently tap (not hit) around the edge of the top collar. Then try the tool again. And are you using the supplied hose in the spark plug hole to pressurize the cylinder to hold the valves closed?

The cylinder has to be pressurized (and maintain the pressure) or the tool won't work and if it does, the valve may fall in the cylinder.

Paul

 

You didn't mention the hose to keep the cyl pressurized.
If you not using it count your blessing a valve didn't drop into a cyl

WP

 

I sure would hope that was a given

 

Feed a length of nylon rope in to the cylinder through the spark plug hole. Turn the crank by hand until the piston pushes it up against the valves.

 

I'd hope so Sir

That video doesn't say a thing about pressurizing the cyl.
It shows the hose but no utilization of it ??????

We use to change many a valve stem seal on engines (SBC for one) and have seen a valve or two drop in a cyl. I'm pretty sure you have as well LOL
I took a break outta frustration on one and while I was getting a drink somebody disconnected the air hose I was using to pressurize the cyl and hold the valves in place.
That made for a BAD day for sure.

I'd like to think he was using the hose but it wasn't mentioned at all______ OOOOPS maybe

WP

 

The air hose is attached. And I gotta say I am pleased with my engine (120R) showing very little leakdown, I can hardly hear anything. Untill I tighten the NUB tool that is .

I have tried to hit the retainer with various tools now with the NUB toool removed and I can't knock the keepers lose from it. I even hit it with my air hammer (with a piece of oak wood between the retainer and the hammer). Maybe 120R is a keyword here, could it be that it's stiff valve springs has got the keepers/retainers more jammed together than usual? I am leaning towards taking the heads off at this point?

JT

 

Hang on.....I hear you on the nylon rope. Will try that now

 

Rope tried......nogo. I jammed it pretty good up against the head with the piston, but couldn't get it to prevent valve travel to any degree at all. I guess I am pulling heads?

JT