DIY Network

Civic Cam Upgrade: Cam Removal and Valve Spring Replacement Performance Cam Shaft and Cam Gears, Part 2 of 4 From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-312

(Continued from page 1)

	Figure E
	Figure F

Install New Valve Springs

Since the valves are going to be opening and closing farther than they were in the original cam, the springs that close the valves need to be upgraded too.

For this project, a new set with titanium retainers and steel locks were used (figure E). Stiffer springs and less weight in the valve train means you can run a higher rev limit without damaging the engine.

• Remove the rocker arms (figure F). These lift right out.

• Important: Be sure to keep the removed rocker arms in order with the cam caps.
  

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• Next are the springs. These need to come out as well, and you'll need a spring compressor to do the job. You can easily grind the ears off of one of these compressors (figure G) so that it will work in your dual overhead cam engine. Another option is a more advanced spring compressor made specifically for this type of engine (figure H), though these are more costly.

  Figure G

  Figure H

  
  

• The valve is located in the middle of the spring (figure I). Once you take the spring out, the valve would simply drop out. You need to find a way to keep the valve in there. This is where the compressor tester comes in. The leak-down tester part of the compressor tester (figure J) will pressurize the cylinder to hold the valve in place.

  Figure I

  Figure J

  
  

• Before you do anything, stuff some paper towels into the ports in the head to keep any stray parts from falling into the engine. Then remove the rag from the first plug hole and screw in the plug adapter (figure K).

• Hook up the air to the tool to pressurize the cylinder and then bolt the valve spring compressor to the head (figure L). This compressor design takes a little longer to set up than the compressors that work on each spring separately, but once it's bolted down you can do the whole job without repositioning the frame.

  Figure K

  Figure L

  
  

  Figure M

• Use the pivot arm to release pressure on the valve spring locks (figure M).

• With the pressure released, carefully remove the locks from the top of the first spring using a magnet and pull out the old spring.
  

• Next, combine the locks into the retainer and add the retainer and locks together with the new spring (figure N) onto the valve stem (figure O).

  Figure N

  Figure O

  
  

• Compress the assembly with the compressor and work the locks into place carefully with a pick tool (figures P and Q).

  Figure P

  Figure Q

  
  

• Replacing the springs is a delicate procedure (figures R and S), so just take your time.

  Figure R

  Figure S

  
  

  Figure T

• Repeat the process for the other three valves on the first cylinder, and then move the plug adapter to the next cylinder (figure T) and replace all of the springs on down the line. Plan to spend a couple of hours on this part of the project.

• Once you get the valve springs swapped out, you can start putting the engine back together. The rocker arms go in next, and you should inspect them well for irregular wear problems that could score the new cams.

• Once the rocker arms are in, you can dab a bit of assembly lube on top where the cams touch.

Important: Included in this summary are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular car or truck, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of upgrade-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

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RESOURCES :

Racing Innovations, Inc.
We apologize no contact information is available.

AEM
www.aempower.com

LNS Motorsports
www.LNSmotorsports.com

Crane Cams
www.cranecams.com