Re: Tappet Clearance Tool J-4540? Valve Guide Driver J-2577?

Posted by JWL On 2023/8/2 12:00:20

To make a short story long. Years ago I had a 39 Cadillac 60 Special with the 346 cu. in. V8 engine. It needed new exhaust valves and one exhaust valve guide. I went on the Cadillac-LaSalle website for advice. There were horror stories, involved and complicated procedures on how to remove and install guides. None of this was encouraging me to do the job. That said, I ordered a new set of valves and a guide. I had a machinist make me a guide driver tool (similar to the ones O_D posted in his photo). I took a small sledge and used it to tap on the tool in the guide. Easy at first, just to see what would happen. To my surprise, the guide moved and a couple of more taps and it was out. I chilled the new guide in the freezer and was able to easily drive it in. I guess I was the exception, but glad the job turned out so easy and successful.