Thread: 3.9 tin head gasket stuff up

Don't remove the head again as you will need to fit new gasket, there are methods to remove valve springs and retainers with the head still on, compressed air with piston at TDC, stuff fibre, rags in and bring piston to TDC, compressed is probably the best, Regards Frank.

Yeah definitely compressed air. This is used very commonly on engines that are having performance cams and different valve springs fitted such as Commodore V8. Talk to your local speed shop or mechanical workshop to get precise instructions.

Thanks Frank,
I did think of trying to remove the valves as you suggested - I even have a tool that screws into the plug thread and has a hooked rod that sits against the valve face and also has a compressed air fitting. But what I don't have is a device for attaching to the head and bearing on the valve cap to depress the valve. I've got a conventional valve compressor - suppose could try to rig up some way of levering using the fitting on the end of the valve compressor - Probably take me days though.

First google KD Tools part number KD912 or better still KD2078. Or try JTC tools part number 1430. Let us know if u find them in Australia. The Kd tools would be here within 5 days and the JTC would come from Malaysia for best deal. There is JTC dstributr in Australia but as usual we get gouged on price in Australia.

Actually they are on ebay. The description and item number are below.

VALVE SPRING COMPRESSOR CAM VALVE ACTION PISTON AMPRO 140466867167
VALVE SPRING COMPRESSOR + AIRHOLDS FOR OVERHEAD VALVE
360195578730