Remember: Spring base > stem seal. Now that the valve is in and the seal is on, we can install the spring and retainer with a special in-the-car compressor...
Once the compressed unit is in place, you now install the keepers...
This may seem awkward at first but it gets easier with practice. Here is how I do it:
1.) Position compressed spring unit.
2.) Insert the first keeper from inboard side the head.
3.) Once the first keeper is in, use a tiny pick or pair of forceps to rotate it toward the bottom half of the valve stem.
4.) Now, insert the second keeper exactly as above.
5. Pull up on the whole spring tool and wiggle as you got. You will see the keepers seat themselves. At that point, you may relive the pressure and remove the tool.
One very important note: If you are doing this in-car you must plug the oil drainback holes in the cylinder head with shop towels, etc. You absolutely do not want to drop a keeper down one of those holes!
Once the spring and retainer are properly installed, get your valve spring popper and give the retainer a couple of good, quick taps to seat the keepers. If you didn't seat one right, now is the time to find out...
The exhaust side is done...
Exact same procedure for the intake side and here is the final result...
The head is finished and now ready to be bolted to the short block and have the cam tray and cams installed. Thanks again to JustinC, STLunatic, and Wukillabee for sharing their time and parts and I hope this helps with your future projects.
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Originally Posted by davisj3537
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