The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Having done some work on my PM engine, on the final valve clearance and head bolt torque I noticed one valve spring is upside down. I havn`t dismantled the head so it must have been this way for 6 years at least.
Now, I know there is probably a reason for a right way up but just having got the engine running perfectly I`m a bit reluctant to start taking the head off again. My questions are does the spring need to be the right way up ? and if it need changing can it be done with the head still on the tractor or is it quicker to take the head off? Thanks for any replies Dave

Hi Dave,

You could take the injector out and connect your compressor to the hole. That way you keep the valve in place when taking of the spring.

I'm not sure whether fitting a spring the wrong way can improve your engine running. Although when there is a good an no good way of fitting it, there should be a reason for it.

Rgds Emiel

The closer coils should be at the bottom to help reduce valve bounce. As Emiel says you can do it without taking the head off by turning the engine to TDC on that cylinder and pushing the spring down to release the cotters. Be careful not to drop them or turn the engine over with the spring off. We used to fit new valve stem seals in this way and I put the springs on wrongly on Nuffy and had to change them without removing the head.

Thanks Emiel and Brian that's just what I wanted to hear. I did press the spring down with an open ended spanner just to try and thought if I had a quick fingered assistant it should be possible as long as I don`t shout or tell her off. Dave

Be sure to block all oil ports in the head with cloths before you disassemble any thing, in case you drop any thing .
Paudie