How to Disassemble a Head

[hav0c]

So I'm ready to learn. I've swapped a few heads in the past, but never taken one apart. I'm sitting here looking at my head wondering where to start. Do I need special tools? If I want to go big valve is it just a matter of buying bigger valves and seats?, or do you have to do some cutting? I'm interested in upgrading to Autotech 262 cams & high lift springs at some point in the future, can stock valves handle performance cams?

Sorry for all the questions, but I've done lots of work on my cars in the past, just never head work. I'm a total noob to heads.

Thanks.

[Nuzzi]

the stock valve springs can handle the autotech 262s but not if you beat on it, its a good idea to upgrade them. while your in there dont forget about lightweight lifters and retainers too. as for valves, you dont buy the seats they are cut by a machine shop. anytime you change valves you need to have the head matched to the valves, and shave a couple thou off to clean up the surface. you will need a overhead valve spring compressor tool to get the springs and valves out, and the valve keepers can be a real pita. also dont forget new valve seals and guides. have fun.

[dewkie]

I made my own valve spring compressor out of a 12" wood clamp and a deep o2 socket. Used and angles pick and needlenose to get the keepers out. Reinstalling the keepers, i used assembly lube on the grooves of the keepers to hold them to the valves until the springs were released. Its easier to dissassemble the valves/keepers with the head on its side so the keepers just fall off the valve and you can pick them up easier. Be carefull of the walls of the lifter buckets scratching them could cause your lifters to jam up.

A valve seal puller would be a good idea too but not required.



Cost me $18 instead of $100. Got the clamp at lowes and the socket at autozone. Tearing it down yourself will save a bit of money at the machine shop. Leave guides and valve cutting to the pros, the rest is easy.

[masterqaz]

Getting them out is as easy as a block of wood a socket and a hammer.

[92jetta9a]

Don't forget about the safety glasses, vision is important when rebuilding it.

I personally prefer my Schley spring compressor and a magnet to remove the keepers.

[masterqaz]

Time is money. Hammer socket like the pros. Lol

[Scotty_2.0]

I made my own valve spring compressor out of a 12" wood clamp and a deep o2 socket. Used and angles pick and needlenose to get the keepers out. Reinstalling the keepers, i used assembly lube on the grooves of the keepers to hold them to the valves until the springs were released. Its easier to dissassemble the valves/keepers with the head on its side so the keepers just fall off the valve and you can pick them up easier. Be carefull of the walls of the lifter buckets scratching them could cause your lifters to jam up.

A valve seal puller would be a good idea too but not required.



Cost me $18 instead of $100. Got the clamp at lowes and the socket at autozone. Tearing it down yourself will save a bit of money at the machine shop. Leave guides and valve cutting to the pros, the rest is easy.

This is what I used and worked like a charm. I also used some masking tape to prevent the O2 sensor socket from scratching the lifter bores. I also own the Schley tool but found this set-up worked better and was easier to control.

[dewkie]

The clamp i used was the perfect depth. The bar of the clamp layed flush against the side of the head so it didnt move much. And the foot fit right over the center of the valve head.