Valve Spring Compressor
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 243
Valve Spring Compressor
I'm going to be looking to swap in my LT4 springs and new 1.6RR in the next week on my 94 LT1. I don't plan on pulling the heads off the car. The valve spring compressor that I already own is the 'C' shaped type that cannot work with the heads on the engine. It looks like there are a few different types available. What do you guys recommend? Things like cost, ease of use, availability? I am also concerned about clearance considering the motor will be in the car and there is limited space to work. I will be going with compressed air to hold the valves in place.
Thanks for your input.
John
Thanks for your input.
John
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5,060
Likes: 1
From: Tabernacle NJ
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13
I'm going to be looking to swap in my LT4 springs and new 1.6RR in the next week on my 94 LT1. I don't plan on pulling the heads off the car. The valve spring compressor that I already own is the 'C' shaped type that cannot work with the heads on the engine. It looks like there are a few different types available. What do you guys recommend? Things like cost, ease of use, availability? I am also concerned about clearance considering the motor will be in the car and there is limited space to work. I will be going with compressed air to hold the valves in place.
Thanks for your input.
John
Thanks for your input.
John
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
I believe it's either K-D tools or Lisle makes a lever style compressor that bolts to the rocker stud and works real good. They make a small two armed compressor that has a star wheel on top you turn to compress the spring but these can and will slip off at the worst possible moment.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 243
Yes, I did some googling and found a writeup done for an F-body LT1 and they used the 2 arm/wheel type compressor. The write-up did not mention any problems but in just looking at that tool it seemed like it could slip and cause big problems. The only upside I see to this tool is that it is compact whereas I am concerned that the lever type tool will have difficulty clearing the clutter of the engine bay.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 7
From: Chewelah Wa
I have used the "star wheel" type, it works but it sucks. After you crank and uncrank that sucker 50 times on a seal change, you need a gloucosimine I.V. If you use it, wear gloves. I am going with the leverage type next time for sure. The time savings is worth it alone.
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 3
From: Hazel Park MI
Lever by far. The other type does slip off easier, as I tried both. In my shop manual it shows the GM tool that works kinda opposite the lever - instead of pulling medial to outside of head, it looks like it is already outside the head, and you just pull it closer to you. Looks like it still mounts to rocker shaft. Seems like it would be a little easier to use.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 243
I'm going to look for the lever kind. I know I've seen the 'wheel' kind locally and it may come down to what is available locally at a reasonable price. If I end up with the wheel kind I may just weld an old socket to the hand crank so I can use a 3/8" ratchet and not beat my hand up turning it.
Has anyone made their own? I think an angled or arcd piece of steel with 1 hole to mount the rocker pedestal with a nut and another that will clearance the keepers may just do it.
Has anyone made their own? I think an angled or arcd piece of steel with 1 hole to mount the rocker pedestal with a nut and another that will clearance the keepers may just do it.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,749
Likes: 50
From: Westmont Il.
I fashioned one out of the lever type after discovering a lack of clearance for the lever on my L98.
Would post a pic. but not allowed.
3 1/2" long, U shaped cutout at 1 end to access keepers,wood spacer on valve cover rail +-1/2" thick under the other end, hole in the middle over rocker stud and tighten down a rocker nut until the keepers are free. Also nice to have both hands free to work.
As far as compressed air, if the piston is at TDC the valves will not drop.
At first I shoved a piece of clothesline in the spark plug hole for insurance then found it was unnecessary. The seal will help to hold the valve up while being worked on. Just make sure the piston is up by turning the crank 90* at a time from #1 TDC.
Would post a pic. but not allowed.
3 1/2" long, U shaped cutout at 1 end to access keepers,wood spacer on valve cover rail +-1/2" thick under the other end, hole in the middle over rocker stud and tighten down a rocker nut until the keepers are free. Also nice to have both hands free to work.
As far as compressed air, if the piston is at TDC the valves will not drop.
At first I shoved a piece of clothesline in the spark plug hole for insurance then found it was unnecessary. The seal will help to hold the valve up while being worked on. Just make sure the piston is up by turning the crank 90* at a time from #1 TDC.
Last edited by Joe B.; May 24, 2010 at 07:27 PM. Reason: clarification
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 266
Likes: 7
From: Sumner WA
I tried two different styles, the kind with the star handle on top that grips the spring and compresses and one that bolts onto the stud. The bolt on was by far the best.
Here's a link to my experience when changing my valve seals.
Here's a link to my experience when changing my valve seals.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 1
From: Superior WI
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 5,005
Likes: 38
From: jackson nj
Yes, I did some googling and found a writeup done for an F-body LT1 and they used the 2 arm/wheel type compressor. The write-up did not mention any problems but in just looking at that tool it seemed like it could slip and cause big problems. The only upside I see to this tool is that it is compact whereas I am concerned that the lever type tool will have difficulty clearing the clutter of the engine bay.
