Ron, et al.:
The better way to do it is use a spring compressor. Saves time and
pounded fingers.
However, I have popped many a valve loose with a socket and a hammer
(some still on the car). A cheap easy way to avoid losing things (or
smacking your fingers) -- in the absence of a spring compressor -- is to
use a socket that is the same outside diameter as the spring collar.
Place the socket on the spring. Measure from the head surface to a point
about half way up the socket. Get a piece of pipe this length that has
an inside diameter small enough to fit fairly snugly around the socket
and the spring (I use a small piece of exhaust pipe). Slide the pipe
over the spring, and put the socket inside the pipe (the lip of the
socket will rest on the spring and collar). Smack the socket with the
hammer, and the piece of pipe will serve to keep the socket from flying
off into space with the keepers.....
Luck,
Rich
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