MX-3.com

I imagine some of you have done it, what tool do you use to hold the spring down, and how do you put the retainers in?

I have taken a valvtrain apart (no intention of reassembly) so I have figured that out (socket, hammer, and magnet)

Suprisingly, Google wasn't too helpful either.

Edit, okay, I found some things, but still wondering what you guys have used. Also... do valve stem seals do most of the.. sealing, or does valve-guide clearance dictate how much oil gets down the stems?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WMR-W89409/

Use a magnet for the retainers.

If you have figured it out perhaps you can make a How-to

I need to do this in a few months as well…

I have a valve spring compressor in my tolbox. If you were closer I would happily lend it to you. There's no good way to do it without one. I'm sure that others in your position have figured out ways to get it done, but I don't know what they would be.

Yes valve spring compressor is the way to do it.
IIRC:

-Do the stem seals first of course, they snap on pretty easily
-Insert valve spring washer (prevents galling on the head)
-Insert valve spring
-Insert valve (or before, whatever)
-Put retainer on top
-Compress the spring with the valve spring compressor enough to clear the notch on the valve stem
-Put some vaseline on the collets to make them sticky, makes them alot easier to do, just stick the collets to the side of the valve and undo the C clamp/valve spring compressor. Make sure collets are the right way up
-Release the valve spring compressor in a controlled fashion
-Check they seated in the retainer properly

The worst bit is there's 24 of them

This is an old video on youtube about how to take them apart, but it's pretty detailed and should give you a good idea on how to re assemble as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G5v8i0DnBI