like the topic asks. the engine in question is a h23a1. any tips would be helpful. thanx in advance.

 

Yes it is possible, I would not recommend it. If you dropped the valve into the cylinder that would suck then you would just have to take the head of anyways. I would play it safe and just take the head off, replace the headgasket and bolt that sucker back on

 

when doing this, most people either fill their cylinder up with rope through the spark plug hole so the valve can't fall, or use compressed air. You screw a fitting into the spark plug hole which keeps the cylinders compress not allowing the valve to fall.

 

I fill the cylinder head with 100psi.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog...l=all

This tool is a must have.

 

thanks primo8998, doublejz, and perlmeistere81 for the info . i like the rope idea and thanks for the info on the tool.

the reason i want to remove the stock valve springs is because i want to install stage 2 camshafts and i need to replace them w/ upgrades. and i really do not want to remove the head .

 

Yeah the nylon rope will work also. Make sure you tie a knot on one end. lol. Seriously u need to invest in that tool. Once you have the cams out i bet you can do it under 1/2 hour with that tool. You owe it to yourself. Goodluck! All you need is hand pressure and thats it to remove and replace the retainers.

 

How long does the whole job takes?

 

trust me

it is wayyyy easier to just take the head off