Flathead Valve Assembly Removal?

I'm new to flatheads and am trying to figure out how to remove the valve ***emblies. I've got an 8ba. Can I just remove the guide retainers (horseshoe clips) and pull the complete ***embly up through the top of the block? Help....

 

You need the Ford tool but you're headed in the right direction.

 

Yes, once the horseshoe clip has been removed the valve ***embly can be drawn out through the top (if it's not siezed )

Flatman

 

I wrote about this for my first tech. It was horrible but you may get something from it.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185235

 

You can get the valves out with some fairly simple tools...

I took a small prybar, ground out the center of the prong, and used it to compress the valve springs so as to 'pop' out the keepers and relax the spring.

Once the spring is relaxed, you can pull the valve.

After the valve is out, I use a nail with a bent tip inna vise grip to pull the clips.

After the valves and clips are out - I drive the valve guides out with an old socket slightly smaller than the valve guide and a junk short socket extension. A couple of whaps on the guide, and it drops into the cam galley.

 

I've got some pretty primitive tools so I went with chuckspeed's advise. Worked perfectly. Thanks for the info.

 

I've got the same problem with my Flathead. I'm going to try what you said chuckspeed.

 

Only addition is that if there is a possibility of reusing the parts, you need to take a small fine file and debur the spring keeper groove and bottom edge of valve; if there is any burring there, it will destroy the guide. You can detect any burrs by feel better than sight.
Early engines require more tech or trickery than '49 up.