Valve Springs for setting up Rocker Geometry

[msaltz]

When setting up/adjusting rocker geometry using an adjustable push rod is there a weaker valve spring that should be installed? If so does anybody have a source for where to get them? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[vwracerdave]

I bought a couple of $2.00 springs at the local hardware store that were about the size of a VW valve spring and I could compress with my fingers. Jeg's and Summit also sell checking springs.
_________________
2017 Street Comp Champion - Thunder Valley Raceway Park - Noble, OK
2010 Sportsman ET Champion - Mid-America Dragway - Arkansas City, KS
1997 Sportsman ET Champion - Thunder Valley Raceway Park - Noble ,OK

[vince1]

I use stock Type 4 rockers end play springs.

Those are nice because you can also push the valve on the piston top to check clearances when mocking the engine.

_________________
my French blog https://vwpanelvan.wordpress.com/

Click here for my full pix detailed 2165 engine build with beehive valvetrain.

Sorry for my poor English, I'm a French guy ...

[msaltz]

Thanks for the info. Never thought of checking the hardware store. I'll check there first and see what they have.

The type 4 rocker end play springs do look like the ticket though.

[UK Luke 72]

I use a spring off a set of spring loaded push rod tubes.
_________________
2276 Beetle build https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=670744&highlight=2276+beetle+daily
2276 EFI Conversion https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=689172

[FreeBug]

In a pinch you can wrap coat hanger wire around a piston pin. Works.

[Sharp64]

Tried searching and couldn’t find the answer. But what is the reasoning behind using a softer spring when setting geometry? Is it due to using the adjustable rod?
_________________
1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine

[67rustavenger]

The softer spring is used to set the rocker geo. Without having to use the cam and lifters to move the rocker arm.
Basically you can get the geo set with the head off the engine when using the soft springs. I got my soft springs from Ace Hardware.

After the geo is set. You install the head and figure out the correct PR length.

Good Luck.
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!

There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!
2003 Astrovan? GFYS again, Xevin!

[FreeBug]

[67rustavenger]

[mark tucker]

my old pop up sprinklers have awesome stainless steel springs in them that are perfect. a spring is a spring if it will fit it will work.small dia or large as long as it 1 stays on the retainer,2 dosent coil bind. 3 has enough force& length to hold the valve closed.

[bugguy1967]

[APPLEGREENVW]

[Onceler]

[67rustavenger]

Here's a thread on the topic. Read it all the way through! It'll make sense in the end.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=706356&highlight=
If you are trying to use the slipper type of rockers. You likely need to shave the rocker arm blocks (the ones on the rocker arm shaft. Not the head) 0.060".
I did mine on a belt sander and measured frequently as I shaved them to get the geo correct.

Good Luck.
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!

There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!
2003 Astrovan? GFYS again, Xevin!