Valve keeper installation

[Ziggy1621]

Anyone have a good trick for reinstalling valve keepers? I did it on my last head job, but it took a VERY long time. I'm wondering if anyone with experience of actually doing it has any pointers?

Please don't post the video on youtube that shows up on this, its not helpful as I do not have that tool

[NolimitZ32]

I've always used a small flathead screwdriver and bearing grease (any auto grease will do). Put some grease on the end of the valve where the keepers will sit, dab a little grease on the end of the screwdriver then stick the keeper half to it (outside of keeper to screwdriver), Stick the keeper to the valve end, once you have it in place you do a light twist with the screwdriver and the keeper unsticks from the end of the screwdriver but stays stuck to the valve end. This technique takes a little bit to get down but it is by far the best way I have found to do it and have done this on many engines.

[Ziggy1621]

I'll give it a whirl. Thanks

[twinturbozxtacy]

how about you just get the tool for it??? its worth it, i can take off or install retainers and keepers from both heads in less than 15 minutes with the tool. it works when the heads are still on too! just did it not long ago installing new springs on a buddys car.

[Ziggy1621]

I've got my buddies tool, like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/VALVE-SPRING-CO ... 0643708906

I'd like to have it back together this weekend, so didn't want to wait on shipment. Where do you even buy the tool in that guys video?

[twinturbozxtacy]

snap on sell it, i cant recall the exact part number but isnt that hard to find.

http://www.snapon.com/international/new ... =3/12/2007
ga317 i believe, but i know when i ordered there was more than one version of the tool

[Ziggy1621]

Yup, that's the part number. Ordered one from amazon. Thanks!

[t.mcginley.jr]

Not sure what the snap-on one looks like, but this works like a charm:

http://www.toyotool.com/



It makes working with valves super easy, it's worth the $85 or whatever in aggravation trying to use those crappy clamping tools

[Ziggy1621]

Thanks, bought this one for $40 shipped

http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-36200-Keepe ... cr_pr_pb_t

[t.mcginley.jr]

That'll work too! lol wish I had seen that one before ordering mine. Either way though, its an ingenious design

[Ziggy1621]

It makes me sick watching the videos. I spent an hour and didn't get one set installed Last time I did, I used one of the old school ones for old V8 type heads. I had to turn it upside down. It took a couple hours, but I got them installed.

[NolimitZ32]

The greasy screwdriver has never failed me

[Ziggy1621]

I'm in love

Now, that tool I linked to on Amazon is not correct. The diameter of it is too wide for removing, but it works for installing. I had to go at it on a bench grinder for about 10 minutes to cut it down to where it fit for removal. But that's worth the $40 I saved in my book. Just finished installing both heads.

Thanks for the help!