15 replies to this topic

[fenghuang]

I bought a Syles Pickavant valve spring compressor from Minispares assuming it would work for my standard A series head. But without putting something between the tool and either the valve face or the plate on top of the spring, there's just not enough compression to take the collet out. I'd say it needs at least another 1/2".

It would also be easier to use if the handle used to compress the spring was on the rocker side of the head than the piston side.

Any thoughts on which tool would be better?
I've seen mention of others, but not much discussion of this problem.)

[Icey]

I just put a large nut against he valve face. I also welded the fixed part as the rivets on the cheaper compressors allow a load of movement.

[monkey]

Stored next to my valve Spring conpressor is a cube of hardwood that is just the right size to put between the tool and the valve face. Works a treat

[imaparana]

had the same problem with a mates one, taped a few 2p's to it :)

[gazza82]

Mine's an old one in that style but missing the handle (it was about 1972 when I bought mine to do a de-coke!). So all I do is lock it up and turn the threaded part to compress the spring .. bit more long winded but works for me ..

[fenghuang]

... all I do is lock it up and turn the threaded part to compress the spring ...

It turns out I'm a bit of a wimp, and I can't eaill compress the spring without putting my body weight over the lever on the bench ... which isn't very convenient.

Harumph.

 

Anyway, I've cut a 30mm plug of HDPE which will hopefully help.

Edited by fenghuang, 19 October 2015 - 03:01 PM.

[gazza82]

I think the lever is too short ... seem to remember putting a bottle jack handle over the end to work it (which maybe why it broke!). And that was with single springs so I had no hope on the upgraded doubles!

[Spider]

Often the Spring Caps lock on to the taper of the Collets and need to be released. A small block of timber under the Valve Head, head deck side down on the bench, a tube over the Cap, a tap with a hammer and it should release. I think you'll find them about 10 times easier to compress then!

[Tamworthbay]

The cheap ones of Amazon where there are two threaded bars work far better on a series heads. I got one for about a tenner in a box with different inserts for various valve sizes.

[fenghuang]

... A small block of timber under the Valve Head, head deck side down on the bench, a tube over the Cap, a tap with a hammer ...

So that's the head the same way up as it would be on the engine. A block of wood stopping the valve moving down. And the tube pushes the cap down, but not the valve. Right?

[timmy850]

I just had the head upright and gave the top of the valves a quick tap with the hammer. It popped off the collets pretty easily and I didn't need to use the compressor at all. You will need one to get them back on the head though! 

[Spider]

 

... A small block of timber under the Valve Head, head deck side down on the bench, a tube over the Cap, a tap with a hammer ...

So that's the head the same way up as it would be on the engine. A block of wood stopping the valve moving down. And the tube pushes the cap down, but not the valve. Right?

 

 

Yeap, you got it

[Alpenflitzer]

Does anyone has experience with this type of valve spring compressor? It should work without taking-off the cylinder head.

 

http://www.ebay.com/...l-/351278155519

 

Or what do I have to consider if buying a new one?

[gazza82]

But what happens to the valve when there is nothing holding it in the guide ... ???

[Dusky]

Piston at tdc I suppose?