Valve Spring: Service and Repair

Valve Stem Oil Seal and Valve Spring Replacement

Special Tools

* J 22794 - Spark Plug Port Adapter

* J 38606 - Valve Spring Compressor (Head-on)

Removal Procedure




1. Remove the valve rocker arms. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement Service and Repair.

2. Remove the spark plug. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement Service and Repair.




3. Install the J 22794 - spark plug port adapter into the spark plug hole.

4. Attach an air hose to J 22794 - spark plug port adapter.

5. Tap the end of the valve stem with a plastic face hammer in order to loosen any varnish on the valve stem keys.




6. Use the J 38606 - valve spring compressor in order to compress the valve spring.




7. Remove the valve stem keys (1).

8. Carefully release the valve spring tension.

9. Remove the J 38606 - valve spring compressor.

10. Remove the valve spring cap (2).

11. Remove the valve spring (3).

12. Remove the valve stem oil seal and shim (4).

Installation Procedure




1. Clean the cylinder head valve spring seat and/or shim area.

2. Install the valve stem oil seal and shim (2).

Important: The valve stem oil seal alignment and position on the valve guide is critical.


An improperly installed valve stem oil seal may lead to excessive oil consumption, and increased vehicle emissions.


3. Install the valve stem oil seal onto the guide.

1. Lubricate the valve guide and valve stem oil seal with clean engine oil.

2. Install the valve stem oil seal onto the valve stem. Push the seal down until the seal contacts the valve guide.




4. Install the valve spring to the J 38606 - valve spring compressor.

5. Compress the valve spring using the J 38606 - valve spring compressor.

6. Install the valve spring to the cylinder head.




7. Install the valve spring cap (2).

8. Install the valve stem keys (1).

1. Use grease to hold the keys (2) in place and remove J 38606 - valve spring compressor.

2. Make sure the keys (2) seat properly in the groove of the valve stem.

3. Carefully release the valve spring pressure, making sure the valve keys stay in place.

4. Remove the J 38606 - valve spring compressor.

5. Tap the end to the valve stem with a plastic faced hammer to seat the keys, if necessary.




9. Disconnect and remove the air supply from the J 22794 - spark plug port adapter.

10. Remove the J 22794 - spark plug port adapter from the spark plug hole.




11. Measure the valve spring installed height using a ruler.
Measure from the base of the valve spring to the top of the valve spring.

* If the installed height exceeds 46.25 mm (1.82 in), install a valve spring shim of approximately 0.5 mm (0.02 in) thick.

* Do not shim the valve spring to obtain less than the specified height.
Do not assemble the components without a spring shim on the cylinder head.

12. Remove the air hose from the J 22794 - spark plug port adapter.




13. Install the spark plug. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement Service and Repair.

14. Install the valve rocker arms. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement Service and Repair.