Has anyone broken a valve spring with any type of B230. My 1987 760 turbo (130,000 miles) appears to have broken one but I won't know for sure until I get it apart.

I lost power last weekend and developed a real rough idle. The vacuum gauge also started "fluttering" at idle. Plug number 3 was black while the other three looked perfect. No anti-freeze in the oil or oil in the anti-freeze so I ruled out a cracked head or blown head gasket. It was hard to pressurize the cylinder with a leakdown tester. I then pulled the valve cover and checked the valve clearances. The exhaust valve clearance on #3 was real loose (more than .030"). I am able to partially move the tappet down (.1") with my fingers which means that there is very little spring seat pressure. I'm guessing that the valve spring broke but never heard of this before with a Volvo. I hope that the exhaust valve isn't warped. Over the last year, I've checked the valve clearances three times due to a "ticking" sound from one of the #3 valves but they always within tolerance (even replaced the rubber shock absorbers). The ticking way have lead to the eventual failure but don't know.

Does anyone know a good way to remove the valve springs from the B230(FT)engine with the head on? I can pressurize the cylinder but don't know a way to compress the spring because it is recessed in the head. Is there any way to keep the valve up other than air (string in the cylinder, etc.)?

Would appreciate any advice. Thanks, Jeff