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2.3 Valve Stem Seals - Cam Followers

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rob289c:
I am going to change the valve stem seals before I try to start this beast.  I have never done it on an OHC engine.  I attached a pic of the valve spring compressor I bought, and the Cyl #1 valves which are at TDC on the compression stroke. 

How do I get the cam followers out of the way?  Do I pry them out?  Is there a specified tool?  I have never worked on a valve train like this.  What else do I need to know about this job?  I know I need to introduce compressed air into the cylinder or use the rope method. 

Are the blue seals for the intake or exhaust?  The other seals are black. 

On the tool, there is a plate zip tied to the tool.  What is that for?  No instructions or paperwork came with it. 

Any feedback will be appreciated.  Thank you...

Wittsend:
I used that same (very similar) tool. I believe the plate is to take some of the inward flex out of the bars that press on the valve retainer. There is a thumb screw that tightens the plate between the two bars that press on the valve retainer. They likely leave it off and wire tie it so it doesn't get lost. I don't recall actually using my plate.

 It is helpful to bleed down the lifter.  Just press slowly on it..., for some time. I believe what I did was bleed it down and then forced a wood wedge between the lobe and the rocker pad. That was to prevent the lifter from rising. Then swiftly I collapsed the valve and quickly removed the wedge and rocker. It was a LONG time ago but I THINK that is how I did it.

rob289c:
Thank you for the reply   I will take another look at the tool to see what that plate is about.  I did some searching and found a couple of videos of guys removing the followers.  One used a slotted screw driver and another used a pickle fork.  Pretty much the same idea...the just pried them out of their normal, installed spot.  Neither video showed the reinstallation process well but it looks like they just snap back in.  I don't plan to remove the plungers if it isn't necessary, but since the seals came with my gasket kit, I would be in remiss if I didn't install  them before I put everything back together and the valve cover is just sitting in place at this point. 

I still need to plumb up a way to introduce compressed air into the cylinders as I do the job to prevent the valves from falling into the cylinders, and figure out if the blue or black seals are intake or exhaust.  I think blue is intake but even the Fel Pro site doesn't specify. 

Wittsend:
I have always been leery of the compressed it method. The few times I've seen it done I heard air leaking and a dropped valve in a cylinder would be no fun. What has worked for me has been the rope method. Set the cylinder at TDC and the feed (pack tightly full) rope in from the spark plug hole. Cotton rope about the thickness of a pea has worked well.

Make sure you get the rocker back where it was originally as it wears to the camshaft. Frustrating about the seal color hope you get an answer. You might try a site like TRS (The Ranger Station) as they deal with the 2.3 Lima engine a lot and you might find your answer here.

Hard to believe it is September already and shortly you will be stopping. It seems like you just got started. We went with multiple days of power out due to pole replacement..., to my getting Covid (still coughing 3 weeks later) to 103-105 degree days for a week. It feels like I lost a month of productivity on my Sunbeam Tiger. Thought I might get it painted this year, now I'm just hoping for primer.

rob289c:
Thanks again for the guidance.  I will use the rope method.  I will do one valve at a time so I don't mix anything up.  Good idea on the Ranger forum.  I may not get to work on it this weekend.  I have other family commitments to keep.  I wish there were three of me...one to work, one to work on my projects, and the other to do all the other things I get roped into for other people!

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