Replacing sprins, is there a right side up? 1982 300D
 

1982 300D

I'm replacing the springs as a preventative measure when I replace the stem seals. I noticed that the springs I ordered have a bit of yellow paint on one end of each. Is there a "right side up" to these parts, or can you put them on either end first?

Thanks,

Pete.

There is a proper side that goes up. The narrowest part of the spring where the coils are the closest should be at the bottom. Check your new springs and I'll bet that the yellow is on the side with the closest coils. I'm 99% sure that's how it goes, so, wait for someone else here to chime in as well.

Thanks
David

Mine are machined flat on both ends. I also can't tell the difference in the spacing of the coils, end to end.

Pete.

i do believe he's asking about valve springs here, since he mentioned replacing the stem seals...

Yep, I must be sleeping today. Disregard all my previous comments. In fact, I'm going to delete them in a bit.

brian
 

with all you have been thru on the back of your sdl, having those springs on your brain is understandable!

tom w

I'm sorry guys...I likewise have my mind set on the engine valves, I just forgot to mention that I'm dealing with valve springs.

So....is there a right side up to valve springs? (They look the same on either end to me...though maybe I see that the springs are closer together on one end, but maybe I'm just thinking that because it was mentioned.)

Thanks,

Pete.

well
 

if there is no mesurable dif in diameter, and both ends are flat, then there is no difference. compressed is compressed, and extended is extended. same with shocks actually. except with shocks you often have the shield which would collect stuff if put on upside down.

the great smokey yunick used to have a column in circle track mag and he actually got caught out on the upside down shock thing and had to retract the next month!

you didn't catch smokey out very often.

tom w

Okay, I just found some words about the spring issue in the kit instructions that I'm using.

To paraphrase, the down end of the spring has closer spaced coils (most engines), and if there's paint marking one end (as in my set), the painted end marks the upper end of the valve spring.

Pete.

Its really tough to see which end if those springs have the tightest wrapped coil at the "get go" both ends looked the same too me. Good thing they have a dab of paint :confused: :)

so
 

i stand corrected. i guess if it is not a symetrical spring it can matter.

tom w