I'm working on the valve springs in my 302, V8. I noticed there are some things inside the springs that are broken. They are dome or cone shape and look like rubber or plastic pieces, I think. They look like they are attached to the valve and move up and down w/the valve. I attached a picture where you can see one that's all the way broken and sitting on the bottom, inside the spring. Anyone know what that part is called? Anyone know how to replace them once I buy replacements?
They are not difficult to change if you have a valvespring compressor and an air compressor.(heads on the engine)even esier if the heads are off.
I Think I Found an Answer! Do you know Which valve stem seals I need for a 302 V8??????? I Think I Found an Answer! 1. 1 Disassemble your engine down to where you will have access to the valve spring. You will need to remove the cylinder head cover, the rocker arms and the push rods. You will also need to remove the spark plugs. 2. Step 2 Valve spring and seal assembly Next turn on your air compressor and regulate the air 60-90 psi, turn the crankshaft until the cylinder you are replacing valve seals on is on top dead center. Screw the compression gauge hose into the spark plug hole, attach the air compressor hose, your cylinder is now pressurized. The valves will stay in the closed position as long as the air pressure is holding it up. 3. Step 3 Valve spring compressor Using the valve spring tool, compress the valve spring and remove the valve keepers with a magnet. These may be stuck to the valve spring retainer and a little bump with the palm of your hand or a small hammer will jar it loose. Pack towels around the area so you won't lose the keepers into the engine. Remove the spring. 4. Step 4 Remove the old valve seal with pliers or screwdrivers and replace with a new seal. Reverse procedure to reassemble engine, use the magnet when installing keepers and after removing valve spring compressor tap the top of the valve lightly with a hammer to seat the keepers.
Off the top of my head I dont have a part# or specific size but...If you go to a parts store just ask for "Valve stem seals" for your particular year 302. The proceedure you found is correct.However I would advise you to do ONE cylinder set at a time.Dont pull all the rockers off a head and go to town.Reason being: With the rockers/pushrods in place you can turn the engine by hand,useing a breaker bar or ratchet(with all the spark plugs out)and watch the rockers on the particular cyl you want to work on.When the valves are closed on that particular cyl,you will be able to spin the pushrods with your fingers.This will confirm TDC for that cyl.You can now pull the two rocker arms/pushrods and pump in your compressed air and go to work.Remember to keep the pushrods/rockers in order.They really need to go back where you found em.Go slow and be deliberate and you will knock it out in a few hours.Good luck!!!
Instead of compressed air to hold up the valve I just stuff clothes line rope into the spark plug hole and then move the piston up to the top of the cylinder.
One thing that happen if you pull all of the plugs and have the engine at TDC is the compressed air might push that piston down to the bottom of the stroke. Anything near the fan or belts could get hit or pinched. Happened to me on an older engine once and scared the crap out of me. lol You'll need a spring compressor that works with the heads on the engine. Not sure if the tech page said that. On some you may have to tap on the top of the valve or spring tool to get the keepers to come loose also. clint
