Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Replacing valve springs-need help

[jsjaastad]

I am trying to replace the stock 35 psi valve springs on my friends 98 in order to install the exhaust brake. I have issue #36 that appears to be a straight forward procedure and I also have the NAPA tool he describes. I have turned the motor over per instructions with both rocker arms on #6 free and the exhaust valve on #1 'just' starting to open. With the tool compressed around the #1 exhaust valve as tight as I can get it, I can not get the valve to rest on the piston in order to push the tool/spring down to get the collets off. The valve/spring/tool seem to have about 1/4 inch up and down, nothing to hold the valve up in order to take it apart.

Does anyone know the clearance between the valve and the piston?

What am I doing wrong cause the article made it sound pretty straight forward. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Tom

 

[Joe G.]

Two things.



First make sure that the '98 does not already have the 60 lb springs. I don't remember when the factory changed to the 60 lb springs. Maybe some one else who knows will chime in here.



Second if it does have the 35 lb springs you may have to screw the spring compressor on to the spring. I don't remember having to do that with the 35 lb springs on my '95, but I had to screw the 60 lb springs into the tool so that it would compress them enough to allow the keepers to be insterted.

 

[Rams-n-Hogs]

When I did mine, I don't remember there being a 1/4 inch play when I was at TDC. There was a little, but not that much. When I got to the point you're at, I checked mine by turning the engine very slowly and moving the valve up and down until I felt the top of the piston.



Jim

 

[BFaoro]

same

My keepers were stuck on the valve stems when I tried to replace them. If I remember correctly I tapped the top of the spring before I put the spring compressor on it. Then I put the spring compressor on it. Make sure that you plugged all the holes in the head when or if you drop the keepers, that way they won't go to the bottom of the pan.

Joe is right about having to screw the springs onto the compressor, I had to do that also.

Take your time, if you get in a hurry you always get one of those," aw crap", sounds !!

 

[JJW_ND]

All 12V have 35lb springs

From the factory all 12V trucks should have 35lb springs.



jjw

ND

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

True, all 12 valve Rams have 35 psi springs. V/P clearance at TDC is less than . 1 inch. You aren't at TDC. IOverlap is where, turning in normal rotation, E is almost closed and I is just starting to open.



The 60 psi springs are "barrel" shaped while 35 spi are a straight cylindrical spring. The 60s are longer and that is why you have to screw them tight onto the tool so they will compress enough--the 35s aren't a problem.

 

[bighammer]

Look for the valve overlap on the companion cylinder. I had to tap down the spring and seat (whole tool) lightly to get it off of the keepers.

 

[Josparkz]

Make sure the pistons are up , so you don't drop a valve. OUCH