the # 3 piston had weak compression, the exhaust valve spring seems like i can squeeze somewhat with my hand, my only other experience was with chevy valve springs which seemed much stonger,can i test it any way myself or do i just go to a shop? kris

Having a low compression in a cyclinder doesn't really mean a bad spring. I take it you have added some oil in the cylinders and check the compression again? If the compression had increased then you know that youhave worn rings. If not, then you have a problem with a valve, like it is burned. A spring isn't going to fix that. Most mechanic books outline dry and wet compression test and the diagnostics. It's an easy test to do for the home mechanic.

What is the compression on all cylinders? Have you checked valve clearances? Never heard of a weak valve spring?
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David Hunter

Just compare all the springs for length and squareness. If they are the same, and there is no rust or pitting on the coils, they are fine.

The Bentley manual lists two spring types. Type 1 has a 32.5 mm diameter, type 2 has a 25.9 mm diameter. Most engines have the type 2 spring. According to Bentley, the type 2 specs are:
Free length = 45.5 mm (1.77")
compressed, stage 1 length = 38.0 mm (1.497") with tension of 63 - 72 lb.
compressed, stage 2 length = 27.5 mm ( 1.084") with tension of 159 - 175 lb.

The spescs for type 1 springs are very similar.