Universal Tool for removing valve springs

[Ted Borck <tborck@domain.elided>]

> Date: Sun, 21 Mar 1999 09:33:34 -0500 (EST)
> From: cookiedan@domain.elided (Daniel Nees)
> Subject: Re: hot tank?
> 
> Willy,
>    A standard spring compression tool will work. This is a prybar
> looking thing with the nail opening shaped to fit under the rocker arm
> and seat on top of the springs. You just lever against the rocker arm
> and compress the springs and pull the keepers. I guess you could use a
> couple of big screwdrivers, but; I wonder how much the proper tool costs
> from Pep Boys?

The best way I've found to remove the valve springs is to get a
handball or some other *hard* rubber ball.  Cut the ball in half or
less, and place the ball - flat side down - on your workbench. Place
the cylinder head's combustion chamber over the cut ball so the round
part of the modified ball is resting against the valve(s) to be
removed.

Get a socket with the same outside circumference as the valve spring's
retainer.  Insert an extension into the socket, and place the socket
on the valve spring retainer.

Hold the extension and socket against the retainer, (start gently) and
hit the extension with a hammer - the retainer is momentarily
depressed - the valve keepers pop out.

This will work on any engine with a removable head.  I've used it on
push rod and overhead cam porsches, mouse motors, jags, tractors.

This will also give you a chance to find a friend with a *real* valve
spring compressor for reassembly, or to build your own, while your
head(s) are being hot tanked and machined.

The best part - this gives you a justifiable reason to hit your
engine with a hammer - while repairing your engine.

Life doesn't get much better than that. <sigh>


Ted Borck	tborck@domain.elided