I'm at that point of attempting to install the valve keepers. I've gotten 5 of 16 valve retainers buttoned down, but I'm wondering if there's an easier way to get the keepers into place.

I'm using a Snapon valve spring compressor with the help of a friend. I put the keepers into the retainer and then set the retainer on the valve spring. Then, the assembly is compressed while my friend pushes down on teh keepers to prevent them from slipping out of alignment. Works only like 1 in 10 tries. I'm trying to find a more efficient method.

Any suggestions would be great.

 

I use a magnetized screwdriver to put the keeper onto the valve stem while I compress everything. I put a dab of Lucas oil treatment (thick like honey) onto the valve stem, then "attach" the keeper to the valve. The Lucas is thick enough to hold the keeper in place while I attempt to do the other half. After both keepers are stuck to the valve stem, I slowly decompress the valve spring and hopefully the keepers seat right in the retainer. Sorry if this doesn't make much sense to you, but I don't know if I could describe any better in words. You're lucky that you have someone to help you.

 

Apply Honda power steering grease (or vasoline) to the retainer and stick the keepers in the retainer. Then use a good spring compressor and install. This method has saved hours in valve spring installs and cut way down on lost keepers.

 

To me, you have to have a second pair of hands b/c I can't hold the compressor for that long while trying to fit my fingers into small recess hole of the compressor tool....much less do all the steps you mentioned.

 

I do wish I have a second pair of hands when I do keeper installs. Yeah, holding down the spring compressor is a pain. My technique probably takes longer than some other methods, mostly because I have to take so many breaks .

 

Use some kind of grease. Put the keeper on with a magnetized screwdriver. Then push it aroudn the stem (it will be stuck but will rotate on the axis of the stem) then put on the other side and let it go. Take me about 20 mins to do 1 head.

 

Since I was using a tube of moly assembly lube already to pre-lube the bottom end, I just used assy. lube to stick the keepers onto the valve stem... much easier! Get them in place that way, then slowly release the valve spring compressor.

 

yah, keepers are a biotch!

Please use safety glasses!
Stuff can fling out with a wiggly compressor,
Under pressure, I felt the compressor sliding toward the edge of the retainer. So I looked away and let the stuff pop

 

the grease and magnetic screwdriver always works for me

 

I don't use the magnetic screwdriver, but I do grease the keepers and insert them into the retainer. Then when I compress the whole deal I kinda wriggle the c-clamp. Too cheap to buy a real spring compressor. You get an idea for which way to go with the clamp/compressor after you've done a valve or 3. Call me a nutjob but for some weird reason I kind of enjoy assembling valvetranes.

 

is the valve keeper thos little tiny things taht go on top of the valve stem if they are how much do they cost from the dealear any one here know i jsut cant wait to call the dealer tomorrow i beleive i have to order 32?

 

they cost over a buck a pop... the dealer ownz joo!