Valve spring Compresssor
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Holtsville NY
Valve spring Compresssor
I am going to change the valve springs on my car for a future (SOON) cam swap. Has anyone used a valve spring compressor that they really liked working with? I will be changing the springs with the heads still on the engine. Thanks for any help.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
Re: Valve spring Compresssor (Epyon127)
With the close quarters of the engine compartmentI like to use the one that has the star type wheel on top. You spin it clockwise to compress. Not a lot of money either. If the heads are off I like the standard spring compresser sears sells :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,488
Likes: 4
From: Frostburg MD
Re: Valve spring Compresssor (Epyon127)
I don't have one that I like, but I didn't like the cheaper one I got that looks just like a bent metal bar, the spring would keep sliding off of it. I wish I would have gotten a better one.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
Re: Valve spring Compresssor (Epyon127)
Summit Racing sells one for $50. It screws onto the rocker arm stud. Very easy to use.
Here is a link: http://store.summitracing.com/partde...t=SUM%2D906784
The Summit p/n is SUM-906784
Here is a link: http://store.summitracing.com/partde...t=SUM%2D906784
The Summit p/n is SUM-906784
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,094
Likes: 282
From: Phila., PA burbs
Re: Valve spring Compresssor (96GS#007)
Summit Racing sells one for $50. It screws onto the rocker arm stud. Very easy to use.
Here is a link: http://store.summitracing.com/partde...t=SUM%2D906784
The Summit p/n is SUM-906784
Here is a link: http://store.summitracing.com/partde...t=SUM%2D906784
The Summit p/n is SUM-906784
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Elmsford NY
Re: Valve spring Compresssor (TA)
Check Sears, they sell a valve spring compressor. I used it last year when I replaced the valve stem seals on my '85. I don't remember how much I paid but I think it was under $50. It's the type that hooks onto the spring and you turn the handle to compress it. It worked very well with the heads still in the car.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,306
Likes: 242
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Re: Valve spring Compresssor (Pete K)
With the close quarters of the engine compartmentI like to use the one that has the star type wheel on top. You spin it clockwise to compress. Not a lot of money either. If the heads are off I like the standard spring compresser sears sells :cheers:
I bought one for ten bucks.
Works fine
:cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 1
From: Norcross GA
Re: Valve spring Compresssor (Epyon127)
I've used the star wheel - double hook type, many times. If you try and do both heads in a day, you hands will feel mangled by the end of the day. You need to figure out how to work it so the hooks won't pop off the spring. i.e. It can be tricky, and a pain.
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 416
Likes: 2
From: Westfield MA
Re: Valve spring Compresssor (Epyon127)
I bought a Snap On #S6121 compressor. Its the "bent bar" design. I used it to change the valve seals on my '87 L98 with the heads on the car. It worked fine with no problems at all.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Chicago ILL
Re: Valve spring Compresssor (SS409 425HP)
I've done many spring swaps and would not use anything but the Summit type compressor. The nice thing is that you can lock the arm down with the spring compressed. It gives much more control and is safer.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 5
From: Herriman UT
Re: Valve spring Compresssor (HiTech5)
I vote for the "bent bar" design. You can compress the springs in a matter of seconds. You need to remove the intakes runners to gain clearance for the bar.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Plains Ga.
Re: Valve spring Compresssor (Epyon127)
I have all three mentioned. There are situations where all three may be needed. I prefer to use the "Summit" style. I would go ahead any buy all three styles prior to taking on this chore. Also don't forget to have some way to support the valves, so you don't drop one, such as compressed air.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 523
Likes: 7
From: Austin,TX USA
Re: Valve spring Compresssor (JTHVETTE)
you don't need compressed air or rope. Just put the cylinder at TDC. The valve will drop about half an inch but won't fall in. While you have everything off, replace the valve stem seals too. The new seals will be tight enought to hold the valve up when you are trying to install the keepers and retainer. Rotate the crank 90degrees and do the next cylinder in the firing order. Go rent the valve spring tool from autozone or the like. its free and works fine. If you want a pain in the butt spring change job, try doing it on an LT1 4th gen camaro. The vette is a breeze.
