I've done some research on the tailpipe smoke I've developed and I've found that the valve seals on all of my exhaust valves (at least on the passenger side; haven't check the driver side) have came loose and are riding up and down. I can tell that the exhaust seals look different than the intake ones. The intake look like the have a tiny metal spring around the tops of them, whereas the exhaust ones are just like a rubber umbrella seal. I've read that stock heads and valves don't require seals on the exhaust, and I know my heads are stock irons that have been mildly ported and have "oversized" valves. What I don't know is whether the exhaust guides have been modified for seals. How can I tell? If they are, why would someone use different seals from exhaust to intake? I want to replace all of the seals with Manley viton seals as I've heard good things on here about them and want to make sure I get the right ones.
I am also having an issue with using Cotton's valve spring removal tool. When I pressurize the cylinder at top dead center with compressed air and I compress the spring, the valve moves as normal. I can't get the valve to stay up in order to remove the keepers. Should the air pressure be enough to keep the valves up or should I pry down enough to let the valves stop against the piston and then get the keepers off?? Do I just need to stuff rope or vacuum hose in the spark plug hole and let the valves press on that?? I've tried anywhere from 20psi to 100psi with no success.
I am also having an issue with using Cotton's valve spring removal tool. When I pressurize the cylinder at top dead center with compressed air and I compress the spring, the valve moves as normal. I can't get the valve to stay up in order to remove the keepers. Should the air pressure be enough to keep the valves up or should I pry down enough to let the valves stop against the piston and then get the keepers off?? Do I just need to stuff rope or vacuum hose in the spark plug hole and let the valves press on that?? I've tried anywhere from 20psi to 100psi with no success.