Decarbonizing My 782
 

Hello
Well the 782 really gave some problems wanting to run and cleaned the carb.(several times) and noticed it ran well till it got hot so I removed the heads on both sides(which fell off after removing the bolts) and I took out the valves and polished them and I don't understand why I am unable to find a C clamp valve spring compessor for sale in my town.Well since my hands are really swollen & sore I compressed the springs a different way, I compressed the springs with a vise grip and then put a plastic tie strap on bothe sides of the exposed are of the spring released the vise grip and they held. I then put them in put the retention clips in and cut off the tie straps with wire snips.Worked great.:biggrin2.gif:

Yeah, I can't find any small engine valve spring compressors in my town either. A buddy is loaning my his so I can lap the valves in the 124 before I put the head back on.

Did you flatten the heads by sanding it down to eliminate any waves in the mating surface? I'm in the process of that with mine now. I only have a short time to work on it each day and it takes a while with what I've got. Next door neighbor's buddy works in a glass shop and he brought me a 13" square piece of 1/4" plate glass and I taped a sheet of sand paper to it. I put the head on the sand paper and pressing lightly rub in a circular motion to even the head out. I did this with my K161 in the loader Cub and it works great. I've seen this suggested on several forums over the years.

I like the trick with the zip ties. Sometimes you just gotta use what you've got in hand!

I ended up buying a cheap set of valve spring compressors on e-bay. It ended up being a wise decision.

AJ

valves leaking
 

One quick way to see it your valves are holding. With the head off you put oil around top of valve than take compressed air and a rag hold it up to the block and blow air towards the valve and if you see bubbles than you know they leak past the seat. Worked for me.

Most auto parts stores carry a tool to compress the springs in GM door hinges so you can change the worn out bushings and pins. They work great for Kohler K series valve springs.