Tool for valve spring removal

admiral1960

Member
Is there a tool for compressing valve springs so that the keeper can be removed ?

I know there is a bar like tool that compresses the spring but difficult to do one handed and remove the keeper with the other.

Is there a tool that compresses the spring and locks in place so that you can remove the keeper and not have to fight the valve spring at the same time ?

I used to have one of the bars that my Dad used when he was a mechanic but I gave it to a friend who is moving and does not know its current location.

Thanks for any info
 
As stated, a regular compressor.The one I use is similar to this.
Available on Amazon.
 

Attachments

  • sc.jpg
    sc.jpg
    25.6 KB · Views: 21
Here's a shot of one in action on an 8BA, this is an "air-operated" unit and it makes the entire job a "walk-in-the-park" so to speak!

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. You can see that Ronnie is correct above, you need the "straight" fingers, without them it would be really difficult!
 

Attachments

  • Flathead Spring Compressor.JPG
    Flathead Spring Compressor.JPG
    78.3 KB · Views: 63
There is a tool that you can put your valve assembly in just to compress the spring and pull the assembly apart. It was probably made by KR Wilson. There were likely other manufacturers of similar tools. It seems like it was a bench or vise mounted tool just for the purpose of disassembly and reassembly of the individual valve, guide, & spring assemblies.

The bar was usually used when installing or removing the valve assemblies from the block. The valve guide is pulled down to either install or remove the horse shoe clip. These work great on working engines but old rusty neglected engines are a different story.
 
As stated, a regular compressor.The one I use is similar to this.
Available on Amazon.

Hi,

Does the compressor you show compress the spring from the top down or the bottom up ?

The engine I have is a 48 (I think) and the keepers are at the top.

Thank you for a reply
 
Yhe horseshoe clip is what holds the guide/valve ***'y in the block, The "C" type clamp shown is to take the keepers off the lower end of the stem and remove the valve with out taking the guides out.
 
Here is what you need to work on the valves on your 48 block. I'm assuming that you have the two piece guides. Ed
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2582_2.JPG
    IMG_2582_2.JPG
    218.8 KB · Views: 47
Hi,

Does the compressor you show compress the spring from the top down or the bottom up ?

The engine I have is a 48 (I think) and the keepers are at the top.

Thank you for a reply
It rests on top of the valve and pulls (compresses) the spring towards the valve head.
Seems to be some confusion if you are talking about valve keeper or guide retainer.
 

Attachments

  • sc.jpg
    sc.jpg
    24.3 KB · Views: 8
  • vlv.jpg
    vlv.jpg
    56.7 KB · Views: 14
Last edited:
When using the "C" type compressor it doesn't matter if the guides are "frozen", after you slide the valves out it is fairly simple to remove the worst "frozen" guide you can have!

We "tap" the bottoms of the guides with a 3/8" tap, makes about 2 threads, and use a 3/8" puller (slide-hammer) to push the guides in further (slightly) allowing the retaining clips to literally fall out, and then slide-hammer the guides out.

(Add) This is on the "later" Flatheads.

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. We are able to re-use all the guides (even with the tapped threads on the bottoms) by installing bronze liners!
 
Last edited:
Back
Top