Hey! What is involved in changing retainers in a B18C5? I know that most people pull the head to change the entire valve train, including springs, retainers, etc. I have also heard that there are some special tools that allow you to keep pressure in the head such that the valves don't drop when you pull the retainers/springs. I guess what I'm asking is this...do I need to even worry about this if I'm just going to change to titanium retainer? Will I have to pull the head, or use this special tool? I have a helms, but it shows everything with the head off. I'm having trouble picturing it with the head on. Thanks!

 

you will need a valve spring compressor to keep the retainers down and the rest you wil basiclly see.

 

So no need to pull the head? Do I even need to pull the springs out? From the looks of things, all I need to do is remove the valve keepers and the retainers can be lifted out. However, is there anything keeping the valves from dropping into the cylinder once the keepers are removed? Also, what exactly does a spring compressor press on. Will it allow me to remove the keepers and retainers while the head is on? Thanks for any info!

 

you do not want to lose anything .. keepers, etc when doing this. have a CLEAN work area if you are leaving the head on the motor, in the car.

I have to do this same mod, but with new valvesprings all around (gotta love the new ECU's 9500 rpm redline!) -->I am just going to take the head off to make it a cleaner install, and to get the head milled .020" while I install the new springs and retainers.