Valve spring how too tell if they are still good?

[88GTMustang]

I have some cylinder heads that have the springs on them but the motor has been sitting for a couple years. I want to use the heads. How can you check the condition of the of the springs?

 

[dragnazz5.0]

if the springs have been sitting compressed they are probably junk. but your best bet is to take them to a competent machine shop or engine builder and have them tested

 

[tmoss]

buy the little pressure guage for checking spring pressure - you put it and the spring in a vice, close the spring until you get to the proper spring height(s) (measure with a dial caliper) and then check the pressure on the guage against the rating(s) of the spring.