I am new to the whole forum thing so correct me if im posting in the incorrect area. i have an 88 5.0 motor, i just took the heads off and the valve springs are giving me alot of trouble. i went to auto zone and got valve sping compressor but it seems like its only gonna take off the intake valve. the spring retainers appear to be different too. maybe i am just incompetent or dont have the right tools. In any case i need to know how to get these things off to be able to hot tank this bad boy. any 5.0 overhaul knowledge would be extremely useful. thank you.

 

here is the easy way(assuming the head is off the car) socket and a BFH. the whole thing just pops right off. you can have each head done in a couple minutes.



or if you have the compressor it looks like this on the spring and you will be able to take both sides

 

the exhaust valves sometimes get stuck because of the heat. compress the spring then tap the valve with a hammer to loosen it up

 

i'm always scared sh**less that i'm gonna pop my eye type of spring compressors.lol i used one to get my springs off then put it back inthe package and return it to the auto store(auto zone) and bought one that was shaped like big u that held the bottom of the valve and compresed the spring at the same time. it workked for exactly 2 springs before i broke returned that one too. then went to sears they had little beefier one for $20 i've had it for 3 years and it only broke once and its guaranteed

 

lay a rag over the spring then.....or wear safety glasses. socket and BFH works like a charm.

 

they gets stuck because of the spring pressure seating the locks in the cups and or tarnish/carbon build up

 

if he puts a rag over how will he be able to see? isn't carbon build up the result of combustion ie heat?

 

what I meant was oil tarnish/ build up.....oh and FYI RED87 I don't want to see anymore antagonizing of members....understand???

 

thanks guys. every post helped out alot. ill try the bfh and socket next head. this one i just got pissed enough and violence plus determination and though equaled proper result. thanks for all of the ideas and information, i couldnt figure out what caused it to stick like that, but i see the light now. and yes i have nightmares about that stupid compressor breaking my teeth or something lol.