12 replies to this topic

[johnv]

Does anyone have any experience with these.. Ie do they work on a mini? https://rover.ebay.c...tm/173978127217

I really don't get on with the usual ones.. Very fiddly hit and miss getting the collets in and out, not enough leverage, very awkward all round really

[timmy850]

I used one of these style, similar to a G clamp and you can slowly wind in the pressure which leaves you both hands to put in the collets

https://rover.ebay.c...tm/253960608621

[nicklouse]

looks worse than the standard one. going to have to make something to hold the valve as well.

[johnv]

I used one of these style, similar to a G clamp and you can slowly wind in the pressure which leaves you both hands to put in the collets

https://rover.ebay.c...tm/253960608621

I just fine the G Clamp one so awkward

[johnv]

looks worse than the standard one. going to have to make something to hold the valve as well.

 

true but the head flat on the bench with a suitable block in the combustion chamber should sort that? there shouldn't be any pressure on the valve

[smudger068]

I have absolutely no idea what that is! But I have a halfords jobby that looks abit like a large G Clamp which works well.

I always give the caps a clout with a socket first to release the tops (Maybe frowned upon with some but it works)

[nicklouse]

 

looks worse than the standard one. going to have to make something to hold the valve as well.

 

true but the head flat on the bench with a suitable block in the combustion chamber should sort that? there shouldn't be any pressure on the valve

 

no but you still need to break the collet lock and you will need more than one block in the chambers.

 

I just head on bench. tap each retainer to loosen the collet lock. rotate head 90 degrees so it is sitting on the manifold face. bish bash bosh off the springs come.

[gazza82]

Does anyone have any experience with these.. Ie do they work on a mini? https://rover.ebay.c...tm/173978127217

I really don't get on with the usual ones.. Very fiddly hit and miss getting the collets in and out, not enough leverage, very awkward all round really

 

Can't see how that will work on an OHV like the A-Series .. maybe an OHC ..

 

I've got a 40-year old one .. the clamp handle has snapped off, but I can still use it by fitting it and then winding up the pressure. It only needs enough to pop out the collets. I'll put a new & longer handle on next year when it's warmer!!

[panky]

Made my own out of an old G clamp

 

[johnv]

That looks more controllable I'll look into that thanks!

[panky]

How about this or similar, save you the trouble of making one

 

https://www.ebay.co....mCondition=3000

[Spider]

Does anyone have any experience with these.. Ie do they work on a mini? https://rover.ebay.c...tm/173978127217

I really don't get on with the usual ones.. Very fiddly hit and miss getting the collets in and out, not enough leverage, very awkward all round really

 

I don't disagree with what you are saying in regards to the usual / common lever action compressors. They take a bit of a knack to get the hang of and some are better than others. It also helps (and should be done with assembly in any case) if there's a bit of Oil on the Valve Stem, Keepers and Top Cap as that can hold it all in place while you let the tool off.

 

The one you've found and linked up sadly won't work on a Mini head, though with some creative thinking, an adapter might be made. It best suits American type engines that don't use a rocker shaft but a stud for each Valve, which are typically way bigger than those used on our Rocker Pillars.

 

 

While I tend to use the conventional compressor tools on most builds these days, they are an awkward thing. Anything I do with some poundage on the Springs I do in the press. I have a short length (about 30 mm) of 20 x 20 Angle Aluminum that I use here. I place some cardboard down in the press, I have a small block of MDF wood that fits in the combustion chamber to hole the valves up, that I place the head over. Then place the Spring(s) and the Cap on, the stand the Angle on end on the Cap and use the Press to compress it, slip the keepers in then slowly let the press off.

 

If you don't have or have access to a press, then probably a G Clamp type on a Screw might be easier for you or, if you can afford to or make one, these are really good (but turn around the part that presses up against the top cap);-

 

[johnv]

Thanks for that, yes that looks like a great tool I'll investigate further