2G Rope is stuck!!!!

[GSXRunner]

Hello,

I'm replacing my valve stem seals. I hear about the "rope trick" many are using to support the valves when removing the springs. Seemed to be a good idea, so I tried it. Worked well for the exhaust valves, but would not work for intake. I felt I didn't have enough fed into the cylinder for the intakes and had a lot of trouble feeding more rope in. I was twisting the rope as I fed it in (it was the only way to get it in) and even after I got as much in as I possibly can, I still couldn't get the intake valve supported. I decided to just take the rope out and use compressed air like it used to be done; but to my horror, the rope is stuck and I cannot get it out. I tried compressing the valve to make use it wasn't caught on a valve, but it did not free it; seems to be in a knot, probably from twisting it. Any ideas short of removing the head?

 

[twicks69]

Of course this is also coming from the guy that can disassemble an entire transmission in less than 15 minutes.

True. !

 

[Red Rider]

This debacle seems to be related to the theorem that no matter how neatly coiled a length of rope is, throw it on the ground and pull an end and you will get a mess. Good luck to you and you may well get lucky, but we all know you don't get lucky every time.

 

[Mech Addict]

Not that I’ve had this particular mishap, but can certainly relate to a repair that went way worse than anticipated. Very much in agreement that it’s not just the time wrenching (which I basically like doing) but all the non-reusable stuff you have to replace on the way and time to obtain (if you even can obtain all the necessary parts). Sometimes a critical oem part NLA means you have to swap a bunch more stuff to make an aftermarket Substitute work. And then a bolt twists off, or you need another special tool....
I sense a pattern.

 

[GSXRunner]

I got it out!!!! All together it took less than a half hour.

 

[NOSLO2PT0]

True. !

Tim, we need to get out to Romines in West Allis this summer or fall and shoot some pool.

 

[luv2rallye]

FYI: You're not alone. I got my nylon rope stuck on one cyl when I did valve stems too. Turning the crank slightly back and forth a few times while pulling got it free though. I then did all the rest w/o pushing so much rope in. Turned out fine. For me as well, I didn't want to remove the head which would have taken me weeks before getting all the correct oem parts and all the tons of stuff you have to take off, drain, dealing with stripped/broken off bolts, and then reinstall everything with all new gaskets everywhere, head bolts, oil, coolant, etc. By the time all is said and done it would have cost too much for me as well as time. I did the whole thing in one evening w/o buying anything else (bought seals ahead of time).

 

[GSXRunner]

I then did all the rest w/o pushing so much rope in.

I can guarantee you that rope will never find its way into my combustion chamber ever again! From now on, I'm doing it the old fashioned way; with compressed air!