Valve spring compressor heart ache

[mocbaar83]

I have bought 3 tools with very little success. I am on my second overhead “puller” type (neither one really grips the inner spring), and I have has a little success with the craftsman “clamp” style (really meant for big American v8’s).

The only was I can pull any of the valves is by using the clamp tool with a socket at the end pushing up against the valve; it either works or slips off the retainer cap on the opposite end.

What have you guys been using to get these heads apart?

[baltobernie]

I used the small collet on this tool:
http://www.toolsource.com/stinger-large ... 3f89fjs585
Now, there is a bit of a "jump" when the screw is turned and the retainer suddenly comes free. But if the adaptor is centered on the retainer, the sudden movement still keeps the adaptor on the retainer.

[CalJim]

I recently rebuilt a 2000 engine and found that with the head off the block I was able to use a piece of structural steel, Superstrut a-1200-HS available at many building supply stores, as a good valve spring compressor. I ran head bolts through the four corners and attached washers and nuts to keep the mating surface of the head off of the work surface. I placed a racket ball (or old tennis ball) in the combustion dome to keep the valves seated and secured the head to a work bench using a padded clamp. I secured the Superstrut to an outside cam housing bolt or stud, aligned the valve stem with a hole in the Superstrut, then levered down the springs and retrieved the keepers. See the photos at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/james.l.kee ... Compressor#

This setup also worked to replace the keepers. It might work for you as well.

[ventura ace]

That's a neat trick! Thanks for the tip. I think I'll go buy me a chunk of superstrut.

Alvon

[CalJim]

Updating the link to Photos.
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipO ... F3SkVoeXhR

[18Fiatsandcounting]

I don't know which to be impressed by more, the awesome valve spring removal tip, or the fact that you updated the picture links after almost 12 years...

-Bryan