[Terry Stapley]

For those that do not have access to an air compressor, I have used 1/4" cotton rope to hold the valves closed!
With the piston on the way to TDC with both valves closed, stuff a good amount of this small rope through the spark plug hole and then "HAND" crank the engine to TDC. The rope will fill the area above the piston and hold the valves closed. Just remember to leave some rope hanging out of the spark plug hole so that you can remove it when you are done with your spring work.
Terry