Possible to change valve retainer clip with head on block and cam still on?

[MKI4EVA]

Hi guys.....just wonder if the above is possible. I'm trying to save myself some time and have a running car whilst building another motor on the side.

I've managed to damage a part of the valve stem retainer clip and just want to replace the top valve spring cap and the retainer clip.

Any idea of there is a way of being able to do this whilst the cam is still on the head and the head is still on the block?

Thanks.

[71Nissan240Z]

You can change the valve spring cap and keeper but u need to bring thay cylinder to tdc and stuff some rope into the cylinder so the valve doesnt fall out. Also u need a ohc valve spring compressor that looks like a screwdriver with a hook on the end that hooks under the cam and an arm that presses the valve spring down at the same time. Its not the valve spring compressor that looks like three hooks and a lead screw through the middle. Its specifically usex when leaving the cam on the head. Look it up on ebay.

[JLPurcell]

Another way to insure you don't drop a valve in the process is to bring the engine to tdc on the compression stroke of that cylinder, pull the plug and pressurize the cylinder (requires an adapter) with air.

[EuroDat]

Ive used Jerry's method a lot and never had problems. My compression tester has several adapters and they also fit my compressor hose. See photo. I have had it a really long time, but it still works great and I check the calibration every once and a while at work.
Just turn engine to TDC, remove spargplug, select 5th gear and handbrake on. Fit the adapter and turn air on. The engine will turn a couple of degrees until all the play in the drivetrain is gone.
Chas

[Jeff G 78]

It's easy to do like the others said. Use several feet of 3/8" rope and a KD3087 valve spring tool. You can do one retainer in a matter of 30 minutes total.

[MKI4EVA]

You guys are legends. I love you!!! lol.

heres what I'm trying to get running.

[Jeff G 78]

More pics please!

[EuroDat]

Really nice Z. MORE pics please.
Do you have any trouble getting a pink slip with that wheel track or the offset within spec? I use to have so much trouble with this guy at the rta. I ended up buying a second set of wheels with no offset to get through rego. He knew exactly what was going to happen 30 minutes later when I got back home.
Chas

[grannyknot]

And in case you didn't get the message, MORE PICS PLEASE! : ) Looks real good.
New South Wales, so that is a right hand drive car? Just wondering about the mirror on the right side
Chris

[MKI4EVA]

Would you believe I still don't have good pics of it yet....





I have a friend who helps me with the pink slip.

[grannyknot]

"I have a friend who helps me with the pink slip"..... Keep that to yourself! Very few of us want to see this car off the road,
but there is always some, keep it close to your chest - like poker.

[EuroDat]

Would you believe I still don't have good pics of it yet....

I have a friend who helps me with the pink slip.

Really nice clean car.
My 280z is red, but thats a bad paint over. Original was light blue which is not my favoriet colour. Im thinking of white when Im ready the repaint. Seeing your z is making the step to white a lot easier. I like the clean look about it. But thats my opinion.