On a Z28 1988 TPI 350 engine can I replace the valve stem seals with out removing the rockers and thus not have to adjust them?
I heard this can be done. I am using the rope method to keep the valves in the heads.
2007-09-28 04:42:05 · 8 answers · asked by httybwma 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Chevrolet
Why could I compress the springs, move the rocker are out of the way (to the side), uncompress the spring, then use rope or air to hold the valve closed, Change the seal, compress the spring again and put the rocker arm back in position?
2007-09-28 05:17:11 · update #1
There is no way to do it. The valve springs have to be removed to replace the seals, which is impossible with the rocker arms in place. One handy tip that may save you some headaches, you can't use a lever type of valve spring compressor, as it won't fit on a number of valves on the L98.
2007-09-28 05:21:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's a foolproof way to adjust the valves without worrying about setting the lash or screwing it up. Take a 6 inch steel ruler and measure the amount of thread showing on the stud from the top of the rocker arm nut. Remove all the rockers and replace the seals. Reinstall the rockers and tighten them to the measured distance. Only measure one rocker arm as this measurement will be the same for all of them. Start the engine and check your work.
2007-09-28 17:14:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you can't do this. There is no tool that I know of to compress the valve spring without the removal of the rocker arm. It's not hard to reset the rocker arm nuts without running the motor doing it the way that GM teaches. It has always been a misconception that these are adjustable rockers/lifters as there is a definite spot that the nut needs to be. They did it this way to save money on machining as the thread makes the necessary changes in position.
2007-09-28 14:29:45 · answer #3 · answered by Deano 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, you have to pressurize the cylinder with the rockers off and the piston at TDC on each cylinder. Be sure to lock the crank from turning. Compress the spring on each valve one at a time, remove the valve keepers with a magnet, remove the spring and old seal then replace the stem seals with the GM umbrella type. Reassemble. Lots of fun.
2007-09-30 20:49:20 · answer #4 · answered by Older1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't really think of a way to make this possible, since the rocker arm sits on the top of the valve. I suppose it's theoretically possible to overcome the spring pressure on the lifters, and gain enough clearance to slide the rocker arm over, but that method seems to be risky at best, particularly since it's no big deal to adjust the rocker arms in the first place.
I found a useful step by step guide that may help you with this job...good luck!
2007-09-28 11:50:15 · answer #5 · answered by Galaxie500XL 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is no logical reason to even attempt this, just do it once and do it right. If you have never adjusted the valves in a Chevy, then now is the perfect time to learn. In the end you will be glad you did the job yourself, and will have learned something.
Buy yourself a copy of "How To Hot Rod a Smal Block Chevy".
2007-09-28 20:22:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no you will need to remove the rocker arms to replace the seal
2007-09-28 11:52:44 · answer #7 · answered by jerry s 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No -- the seals are solid-- slide down over the valve stem...
2007-09-28 11:51:36 · answer #8 · answered by Sophie B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋