So on my spring break i figured what better of a thing to do but work on my Iroc...namely working on replacing my valve stem seals....well after working like all hell to get the attachment to keep air pressure in the motor into the spark plug i ran into a problem compressing the valve springs...i bought a craftsman overhead valve spring compressor...when i tried to compress the valve springs they wouldnt compress down..they only pulled up to the plate that holds them down...i then found out that it has two valve springs...the thing of it is i cant get both springs to compress...is there something i am doing wrong???? do i need a different valve spring compressor?????help me please i really want to get this done....

 

does it look like a L shaped handle? i think it should.

only do ONE spring at a time.

If its the one im thinking of and use myself,there should be a slot towards the bottom to put the rocker stud through,put the nut on it a few turns and then pull towards you to compress the spring.

 

no this is a over the top one you crank it has a T handle...will a lever type like the one you described fit in the engine????

 

Compress the spring and then hit the side of the spring retainer with a small hammer. Your problem is that the keepers are sticking to the spring retainer.

That inner "spring" is just a dampener. Don't worry about it too much.

The lever-style spring compressor works quite well on a SBC. I've used one a few times.....the only problem is that the AIR tubes might get in the way if they're still on the engine, and the back cylinder on each side may be a little tough to get to.