Lack of compression??? Not Sure.

[DanHoug]

i like one with a stiff but flexible hose to help thread it into the spark plug hole. it must be a screw in type vs just push it against the hole. while you're at the parts store, pickup a remote starter switch. so handy when checking compression.
_________________
-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.

'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd

Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com

[robcurtis2]

[DanHoug]

[robcurtis2]

[robcurtis2]

[?Waldo?]

Am I right that you have one valve held in by a single keeper because the other one popped loose? I wouldn't risk running it or even cranking it over like that for a compression check. If that keeper comes loose, the valve could fall into the cylinder and make for an even worse day (e.g. non-rebuildable boat anchor).

That remote start switch looks just like the one I have. Should work fine.

[robcurtis2]

Okay so im assuming I need to order a valve keeper or two, figure out some way to remove the ond one that is stuck on there, then figure out how to install the new keepers on the valve end with the head still installed, then do a compression check? Ideas??
Cheers,
Rob

[?Waldo?]

I'd probably skip the compression check and instead, pull the engine, pull the heads, inspect the pistons, pull the valves/keepers, etc... I didn't take the time to read the whole thread, though, so maybe I missed some things.

If you really want to pull valve keepers with the heads installed, it is possible but somewhat of a PITA. I have not personally done so, but I have heard of feeding rope through the spark plug hole, then moving the piston to TDC to push the rope into the valves (to keep them from moving into the cylinder). Then compress the springs to pull/replace the keepers.

[RolandD]

I have removed valve springs in place by firmly blocking the engine at TDC and using a compression gauge hose to apply compressed air to the combustion. If the piston is at BDC, it can be done, but if you screw up, the valve can slip into the cylinder.

If the keeper sticks in the retainer, get courageous and give the retainer a sharp whack. Not too much that you make the valve kiss the piston, if they interfere.
.
Roland

[dabaron]

it will take an hour to pull the engine. then another 10 minutes to have the head off.

why the hesitation to do what needs to be done?
_________________
1991 Vanagon GL Camper
i had no idea i wanted to be a mechanic
"burnin oil and cookin coils" -- Destructo

BiWerks Design, LLC

[Howesight]

I still think that engine has to come out and the head removed because keepers don't fall out unless there is a problem causing that to occur and the valve stem is likely bent.

But while we are on the topic of valve work with the cylinder head in place, I want to make a comment. I have successfully used the nylon rope trick on a number of occasions to replace valve stem seals on a number of different engines. It works surprisingly well. Make sure that the piston in the cylinder in question is on the compression stroke, half way or more up the bore, then feed 1/4" or 3/16" nylon rope through the spark plug hole until you can't push any more in, then rotate the engine to put light pressure on the valves to keep them closed.

Now you can use a "one sided" valve spring compressor to compress the spring, remove the keepers and remove the retainer and spring. I used to use compressed air through the spark plug hole, but this one time, (at band camp?) I accidentally tapped a valve stem which released all the compressed air and the valve dropped into the cylinder. Rope is better, plus there is no air hose to futz with or squirm around.
_________________
'86 Syncro Westy SVX

[robcurtis2]

I know I know I probably will need to drop the engine, remove the head and inspect. If it was only that some how I lucked out and only part of the keeper fell out and the other part stuck the valve in place still, then I was hoping that I could just compress the spring and replace the keeper and on the road again (As Willie Nelson would sing). I just replaced the heads this last winter and really didnt want to drain the coolant, oil, and remove the engine and heads again. Ugh!
Cheers
Rob

[crazyvwvanman]

If only half of the keeper pair came out I'd be inclined to try just replacing that keeper pair for a quick test.
Then a compression test, all cylinders.

Of course a close inspection of the valve stem is called for once the spring and keeper bits are out of the way.

Mark

[robcurtis2]

[?Waldo?]

I think that course of action is also reasonable.

Basically, just make a choice between the following:

1. Rope in spark plug hole, pinch valve, replace keeper, do compression check, etc...

OR

2. Pull engine, pull head, etc...

Either is reasonable. I'd recommend, just make a choice and get on with it.

[turbotype1]

[crazyvwvanman]

Where are the promised photos? Did I miss them?

Mark

[robcurtis2]

[robcurtis2]

Ok Volks,
I removed the engine with the intent to remove cylinder 3/4 head BUT looksy what I found out. So removing the valve cover, and with closer inspection, I found that cylinder 4 outer spring (so what the intake valve or the one furthest to the rear), the valve spring seat broke. The good news is that the valve was not sucked in to the cylinder. I think I can just replace the spring and keepers and be back on the road correct. Tell me if this is a correct process.

1. Replace the broke valve spring and keepers.
2. Check compression

If compression checks ok, then reassemble and back on the road?? Any suggestions on how to do this without removing the head and taking to a machine shop? lol Let me know when you can.
Cheers,
RC

[DanHoug]

post a side view picture of the top of the valve where the keeper rides. with that broken keeper and seeing it's an AMC head, i'm suspecting the valve stem wore in the area of the keeper.

AMC's keepers are loose on the valve stem and they should clasp the valve stem with a small gap between the two keepers. one can grind a bit off on the side of a grinding wheel to tighten them up.
_________________
-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.

'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd

Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com