Valve retainers

[tillerman]

Yesterday I tore down my 12hp 302 Kohler all except the valves. I put my spring compressor on but then I couldnt get either retainer off the valves What am I not doing right. Thanks

[CarlH]

Get a socket of appropriate size and give them a couple good whacks with a hammer.

[CarlH]

PS: After reflection, I realize this is much easier on an OHV engine than an L-head engine. Might be able to use 1/4" drive socket and long extension to do same thing on a Kohler.

[CarlH]

PPS: After further reflection, I realize that I'm also assuming you are already using the proper small engine valve spring compressor.

[tillerman]

Spring compressor is definitely the right one and works good

[msiebern]

A lot of times there may be carbon buildup in and around the 2 locks. if the retaininer is indeed coming down a way from the valve stem, use a small straight blade magnetic screwdriver to try and pry the locks off the vavle stem.

[tillerman]

Are the keepers in 2 parts? Do you put the compressor under the retainer?

[BLT]

Sometimes you have to crank down on the compressor the best you can and the tap on the compressor with a small hammer to break the keepers loose from the retainer. That's a taper fit and over time things get real tight. And yes the compressor fork goes to the outside of the retainer.

[FrankieC]

It might look like this when you're done. Book says tight spring coils up when you put it back together. I think if you can turn the whole thing upside down the keepers will go back in easier. ?

[url="pop_download.asp?mode=Edit&dir=FrankieC&file=15050"][img]images/disk.gif[/img][/url]

[UCD]

Frankie Rename your picture file with out the spaces and symbols () and reupload.

[rokon2813]

I havent pulled a set of valves in years, and I'm assuming they are 2 piece retainers. Best way I ever found was turn the camshaft till the valve was down, crank up the spring comressor till the valve lifted out of the head, then rap the top of the valve with a rubber hammer and the retainers fell off. The vibration cuased when the valve hits the seat always broke the retainers loose for me :D Just be sure the cam is in the down position or you risk bending the tappet.

[maxtorman1234]

quote:

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Originally posted by rokon2813
I havent pulled a set of valves in years, and I'm assuming they are 2 piece retainers. Best way I ever found was turn the camshaft till the valve was down, crank up the spring comressor till the valve lifted out of the head, then rap the top of the valve with a rubber hammer and the retainers fell off. The vibration cuased when the valve hits the seat always broke the retainers loose for me :D Just be sure the cam is in the down position or you risk bending the tappet.

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That worked for me also, I had the tappets out though,

[tillerman]

Thanks all. Will get back at it tomorrow .

[FrankieC]

Also with a Kodak cx7430.(jkmustang1) They take a great picture, just having a little trouble downsizing the original.

[tillerman]

Thanks everyone. I just completed the job. Pictures are sometimes worth a lot . Thanks Frank for the picture. Everything just fell apart after the right procedure was followed and knowing how they were put together.