What's the trick to install valve stem keepers?

Sometimes they woun't go in, so I compress the springs a little more and they drop in too deep. Some times one goes in place, but I have trouble getting the other one in, compress the spring a little more and the first one falls out of place. Where should the keeper notch be in relation to the top of the valve spring cap? Any suggestions to getting the keepers in place less fustrating?

I don't think there are any short cuts to fixing your issues except gaining experience thru doing the job.

My spring compressor is home made so I am able to rock it back n forth, that lets me put one at a time on the valve stem. Then slowly unscrew the compressor while rocking so they both "catch" at the same time. Make sure to have a magnet on hand if one only catches.

Having some stands for the head makes it much easier to work on.

Its just trial and error to gain experience, no other tricks as far as I know, you just have to do it a few heads to get the knack of it. 




 

I have seen on youtube shorts that someone using a plastic bag to install the valve keepers.
Couldn´t find the video but this guy use the same trick.
With the right pre-pressure the keepers slide into the final position.
If i find the detailed video, i will add it here.

I have used a spot of grease to hold the keepers in place 

The plastic bag trick worked great on the intake valve. First attempt, 1 minuite. The exhaust valve, not so good. I think because I didn't have straight line pry point under the frame. After close to an hour of trying, I finaly got it.
I needed to get in there to replace the left valve seals. The bike smoked badly from the left exhaust since rebuilding the top end over the winter. Sure enough, I damaged the new intake seal during the rebuild. KZ305.

Wookie58 wrote:

I have used a spot of grease to hold the keepers in place 

That is my method, also  ^^^^^^^^^^^^

Wookie58 wrote:

I have used a spot of grease to hold the keepers in place 

So you are not trying to compress the springs a minimal amount and slide the keepers in? I assume you are compressing the springs to a point whrere a greased keeper can just be placed in the proper position on the valve stem? 
BTW I do have a proper valve spring compressor. I just didn't want to remove the head again. Compressing cotton rope against the valves worked well, they didn't move a bit.

This is my compressor and meathod. Just compress enough
 

One other tip - after you get the keepers installed, take a brass punch and small hammer and give each valve tip a light rap.  This will ensure that the keepers are fully seated.  

Mike

Dragbike_Mike wrote:

One other tip - after you get the keepers installed, take a brass punch and small hammer and give each valve tip a light rap.  This will ensure that the keepers are fully seated.  

Mike

Thanks Mike, I forgot to mention that. If they are going to fly off better it happens before the motor is running