The hammer and socket method of valve spring removal is not recommended. Photo from mural.com

We’ve seen just about everything imaginable used to disassemble a Chevy cylinder head. We’ve witnessed the old hammer and socket method where the valve spring is covered by a socket and the hammer strikes the socket until the keepers fall out of the grooves and the retainer is free. On the flip side, we’ve seen the newer spring benches that make the job simple and hands free. Here’s our take on getting your head together… or apart.

There are a lot of ways to disassemble a Chevy cylinder head that is off of the block and out of the vehicle. The most common being the typical C-frame valve spring compressor. This is the preferred tool for most at-home do-it-yourselfers. These compressors work mechanically, or you can get a pneumatic version that works with air, and special jaw that presses on the retainer to allow removal of the keepers quickly and safely.

The most common valve spring compressor used by home engine builder is the manual operated C-frame style compressor.

The manual version uses an over-center cam clamp to compress the spring. Use caution when selecting a C-frame style compressor. They come in several different sizes and have a variety of jaw sizes for different diameters of valvespring retainers. Get the right size for the job. These types of spring compressors are good for stock springs up about 300 to 350 pounds.

High performance springs require a heavy-duty type of spring compressor. Pneumatic or hydraulic valve spring compressors can work up to 900 pounds of pressure. This range requires careful operation or someone can get seriously injured.

Heavy duty spring compressors are made from stronger material so they don’t flex during compression of the retainer. Many are made of T-6 aluminum so they are still lightweight and easy to handle. Most professional engine builders recommend using spring compressors with a solid jaw instead of the adjustable jaws when compressing high performance springs. With a solid jaw there is much less chance of flexing or twisting which keeps the retainer from shooting off into your face.

The C-frame style compressor also comes in a pneumatic version.

Some builders use a slightly different valvespring compressor that looks like a c-clamp. These modified C-clamps units have a specially designed receiver or jaw, so you can remove and install keepers safely. 

Spring benches are mainly used in machine shops.

Spring benches came into the market several years ago, and are available in either a manual or pneumatic style. These are used mainly in machine shops.

Taking a Chevy cylinder head apart and putting it back together is one thing. But during the cleaning and inspection process it’s a challenge to keep track of all of these components. Get yourself a cylinder head organizer.

These organizers have compartments to keep everything in order and all in one place. This is very important when its time to put everything back together again.