Vanguard BIG BLOCK M540000, Repair Manual

Page: 98 / 168

M. Fit the tapered keepers ( E ) into the valve stem
groove with the tapered side down. For best results,
apply a suitable engine assembly lube to the inside
of the keepers before installation. Arrange keepers
so that the gap is evenly spaced, and release the
valve spring compression ( F ).
N. Remove tool and fulcrum screw.
O. Verify that the axis of the valve spring is parallel to
the valve stem. A slanting or leaning valve spring will
result in premature valve guide wear.
3. Repeat step 2 to install intake valve assembly.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 to install valve assemblies on second
cylinder head.
5. Cover the cylinder head to protect it from dust and dirt
until time of installation.
PISTON AND CONNECTING ROD
Disassembly
1. Insert small pick into pick lock groove and pull piston pin
lock ring out of pin boss groove (see Figure 117). Discard
lock ring.
117
2. Push piston pin toward open pin boss to remove from
piston and upper connecting rod.
3. Obtain the Piston Ring Expander tool. See SECTION 3 -
TROUBLESHOOTING - Special Tool List .
4. Remove compression ring from the top ring groove. See
Figure 118.
118
5. Remove oil wiper ring from the middle ring groove.
6. Remove oil control ring from the bottom ring groove.
Proceed as follows:
• Remove the expander spring.
• Spiral or wind the upper steel rail from the bottom
ring groove into the middle ring groove (see Figure
119). Repeat action to move the rail into the top ring
groove and then off the piston.
• Repeat above step to remove the lower steel rail.
119
99