Valve spring problem?

[Mike #27545]

I recently changed the valve seals on my '79 because of what I thought, and confirmed, was an inproper installation of the seals the first time (by me...live and learn). Anyway, prior to the valve seal change I had a somewhat constant vacuum at the manifold, a little low and occationally dipped which I thought was a sticky valve (improper seal install). I installed new seals and now I've got a steady but rapid vacuum swing between 17 hg and 6 hg. Is this a sign of damaged valve springs? Could I have damaged them when changing the seals? I used the screw down type of valve compressor and it seemed to provide an uneven compress of the spring but I didn't think anything of it at the time...they all came out and went back in fairly easy. Is there any test I can perform to tell me what the problem is?

Any help would be appreciated.

Mike

[Casey Andersen]

Re: Valve spring problem?

Mike, The first test you do should be a compression test. If you get a cylinder with low compression you should look at the adjustment of the valves. It seems unlikely that a valve spring compressor would cause this problem, but you should look to see that the springs are all in thier seats on the head. Good Luck,Casey

[Iron Duke NCRS #22045]

Don't understand!

You say you have a "steady but rapid vacuum swing..." Is it steady or does it fluctuate? Also, do you have a L-48 or L-82, and is it modified?

Duke

[Mike #27545]

Re: Don't understand!

Sorry, it fluctuates rapidly between 17 hg. and 6 hg. Its the L-48 and its modified...Comp Cam's valve train, their 270 magnum cam, springs, etc.