1961 Cadillac Valve Stem Seal Replacement, part 2

Here I continue replacing the valve stem seals on the drivers side head and I'm using a new valve spring compression tool.
Click here for part 1:
• 1961 Cadillac Valve St...

[@markhouck1671]

Good job Nick, After pressurizing, getting the keeper released I have used socket over the valve spring and hit with a hammer until you hear click. Of course with the piston down. Less smoke is always better . Keep the videos coming . thanks

[@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426]

Thanks Mark.

[@walterjoncas12]

Tedious job. Not much room to maneuver. I admire your dedication to get it done. Walt

[@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426]

Thanks Walter. There was enough room to work but it was hard getting the tool in there. I had to move a few things to get it to fit. Now Ive got to do the other side with the AC compressor in the way.

[@jeffsmith846]

Nice job. That valve train is pretty clean. I just bought a 61 Lincoln, parked since 1977. When I took off the valve covers it looks like a dinosaur died inside there. Anxious to see you get this Caddy finished.

[@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426]

Hey Jeff, Im anxious to see it finished too. I just sent the dash and seats out to be recovered. I still need to do the passenger side valve stem seals. There is other work too. Its a long list. Thanks.

[@joernone]

Nick,
Good info, my friend. The valve spring compressor tool you were using in Part 1 was the type I used on Pearline. It sucked until I put it in the vice and squeezed the hooks a bit tighter at the end of the blades, then welded a 7/16" nut to the top of the adjustment shaft so I could use my cordless ratchet, extension and socket. No problems after that...zipped through the rest of the job in record time.😎
Regards,
John

[@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426]

Now you tell me. Where were you when I needed you??? Just kidding. The new tool I bought was much easier on the hands, thats sure. It was still a pain the the buttock since I spend a day making the adaptor. What ever! Not looking forward to doing the passenger side, that sure too. Thanks.

[@kayeninetwo3585]

Hey Nick, thanks a bunch for the rope/hose trick. I put new valve seals (umbrella) on my old '54 Y-block several years ago. It would've been handy to know that trick back then, but oh well. I used air pressure to keep the valves in place.
BTW, here's some pointless trivia that might be of interest to you since you're a Thunderbird mechanic who sometimes works on Cadillacs: The Cadillac company was actually started by Henry Ford back in the very early years of the 20th century. It was the second car company he started, and was called the Henry Ford Company, but it was reorganized as Cadillac after Henry left to start his world changing third car company - Ford Motor Company.

[@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426]

Thanks Kayeninetwo, very interesting. I did not know that. World changing is right, thats sure.

[@servicetechnician3264]

Hello Nick. What a pain doing that. But it needed it. Next time, don't forget to take the rubber hose out of the spark plug hole! Lol
George B

[@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426]

Oh, I wondered why that cylinder wasn't firing right. lol

[@stevenz8397]

Hey Nick,
Have you had a vacuum gauge on the Cadillac motors?just wondering if it was an erratic reading if you'd change the valve springs with that tool

[@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426]

Hey Stevenz, I didn't put a vacuum gauge on it. I'm not a big fan of vacuum gauges, they don't tell you much. I didn't change the springs, just rinsed them off and reused them. I think the car ultimately needs a valve job but I'm hoping that these seals will help.

[@williamstockdale1755]

I know you are working on the 61 Cadi. But I am trying to replace the wind shield on a 65 Thunderbird. Can you send me any info you have on replacing it. also show me how to attached the upper clips. Thank you

[@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426]

Hey William, I have no info on that and I never made a video about it. I don't know how to describe installing the clips here without showing you in person. Otherwise installation of the windshield is easy with two people. remove all old seals and goop completely, clean all surfaces. Install new seal onto windshield. Use rope around seal so you can pull it onto the car. I use lube lightly to help the seal come around windshield pillar. Watch some TH-cam videos on that. I seal it with window weld, super fast urethane inside and out. It comes in a caulking gun type tube. Use gloves or you will be sorry. Once the seal and windshield are on car, I pull seal back and squirt the urethane in all around on both sides. I use a caulking gun. Don't worry about excess, you can cut that off later when it dries. I hop that has helped. Thanks.