DirtCheap

I'm replacing the seals soon (have done this many times on other vehicles) but a first on my Yota. Once the cam is removed the head could be somewhat easily moved and lose the seal between the head and block ( don't want to pull the head). Do these springs require a smaller spring compressor and how do the valves remain seated during the spring removal without the head moving? Any tips, tricks or comments would be apreciated.

95ToyotaPU007

I did something similar on a friend's 3vze. He had a broken valve spring and did not want to pull the head to replace just one spring.

I purchased a tool (I think from MAC for about $50) that will compress the spring while the head is still on the block. I will reply with the part number soon.

This is what I did...
Removed camshaft. The tool used to compress the valve spring needs an anchor point. I fabricated a piece of metal that could be anchored down right over one of the camshaft bearing caps near the valve. Once this anchor point is established you can compress the spring and remove the keepers. But before you remove the keepers use compressed air to pressurize the cylinder bore. This will hold the valve in its seat. If compressed air is not available, use clean nylon rope and string it into the cylinder bore through the spark plug hole. Next turn the crank so the nylon rope presses the valve into its seat. From there on you can compress the valve sping and begin removing the keepers. With the spring removed you can replace all the components except for the valve. The installation is just the reverse of the removal.