[cbatters]

I popped off the front valve cover this weekend to form my own opinion about whether it is possible to replace VSS without removing camshafts.

1. I believe it is possible but will require a special tool.

2. Trying to remember where I saw the picture of a tool used to remove the rockers with the camshafts on - one end of the tool pressed down on the valve spring using contact on either side of the cam lobe for leverage.

If anyone remembers where it is posted please advise.

3. I envision a different style tool that bolts onto the head (perhaps using the valve cover attachment points) and uses a bolt to press down on a rod that has fingers that engage the valve spring.

Another option is to have a lever that hooks onto the camshaft (on either side of the lobe) with rod on on one end that pushes down on the valve spring and the other end has a bolt that presses down on the head to compress the spring.

The advantage of a screw over just a lever is that you can take your time to position the device - tighten the bolt to compress the valve spring - and then have both hands free to remove the keepers.

Without a tool that allows both hands to be used, I think the rear bank is going to be a real bitch to do.

Question remains whether it is even possible to remove the spring once the keepers are removed. If you can't remove the spring to get access to the VSS the "special tool exercise" is mute.



Clint