Valve spring compressors

[Mickey H]

What do you guys use to get your springs out of 16v heads? I have an old style spring compressor, but it only works on 8 and 16v sohc heads due to clearance issues. so what do you use, and which one should I get?

[adam]

There are tools you can buy which have been designed to take out and put back the valve springs and keepers.





I think it was about $85 delivered for them. I've used them before and it's a very easy tool to use (borrowed it off a Toymods member because I couldn't justify spending $85 on a tool that will be used once).

I don't have access to the tool anymore, but needed to take my valves out again and I've used a deep socket which is used to take spark plugs out. Fits right over 4AGE valve holders/keepers and just push down, comes right out. Just make sure you've got a small magnet hanging off the socket so that the keepers don't go flying.

[Mickey H]

Well i bought a Stanley valve compressor, the one with arms that grab to the head you dont need to take it off. It doesn't work to well though so i might try the spark plug socket idea.

[adam]

The spark plug socket works well getting it out, but I haven't figured a way of getting them back in yet! Head's currently in pieces.

[Mickey H]

Well I used a socket, got them all out in a matter of minutes. going to return the tool I bought and get the Bluepoint one off my Snap-On guy next week. Need to get the head cleaned up before it all goes back together so I'm not in a hurry

[harvo]

I used a bench mounted column drill with a home made tool that consisted of a piece of steel rod that fits in the chuck, with a steel hoop welded to the bottom of it that fits over the valve keepers.

Head was placed on a board that was angled to get the valves square to the drill. Can be used for both removal and instillation

I'll draw a pic

[lo_rolla]

That's exactly the way ours at work is.... Kinda. Except ours is actually for valve springs, and doesn't have a drill....

[Shigeru]

I like the drill press idea.

I made one from a big G-Clamp and about 3-4 inches of water pipe.

Weld the water pipe to one of the G-Clamp jaws, and cut a slot into the side of the pipe to create an opening so you can get the collets and tools in onto the top of the valve stem.

[adam]

I was thinking of using the g-clamp technique after seeing a few of Sam_Q's post somewhere about valve stem seals. Should help hold down the springs pretty well while you place the valve keepers in their position.

Does anyone have any ideas how we can put back the valve keepers while the motor is still attached to the block? Without buying that snap on tool that is.

[Mickey H]

Well i ordered a new one today, the Snap-On screw on type. cost 120$ so i hope it works.