but how on earth do you remove a valve? Do I need to take it to a shop to get it pressed out?

 

You need to use a valve spring compressor to release the locks and remove the valve spring, then slide the valve out of the head.

 

haha ok not that dumb. I've got the valve springs off and the valve all the way to where the stem is not showing. but it just won't go any further. the end of the valve is a little buggered up but I don't think it would stop it from coming out of the guide.

 

The tolerance inside the guide is tight. Depending on how "buggered up" the valve tip is, it can prevent it from coming out. There's nothing holding it in.

 

so it should just slide right out then huh?

 

Normally, yes. Any burr on the valve stem is going to hamper removal.

 

well I got it out. But even the new valves didn't just slide in. Is this a problem?

 

Are they stock heads? Stock heads use 11/32" valves.

You are lightly oiling the stems, right?

 

yea. they are stock castings. no work done on the valves. and yea a little oil. They aren't real hard to get in but I certainly wouldn't have to worry about ever dropping a valve on a spring swap. once they get past the part where the retainers are it moves freely.

 

There should be very little resistance. Gravity should move them if the valve seals have not yet been installed.

Rich