Valve spring compressors

[sabretooth]

Can anyone recommend a good-but-inexpensive valve spring compressor? Or even just any valve spring compressor?

I need to purchase one to a) replace the valve + valve stem seal in my Familia motor, and to do all valve stem seals and valves in my original MX-5 motor.

Any suggestions?

And while I'm at it, can anyone recommend a piston ring compressor?

[Wuey]

Warpspeed's idea is excellent! I've done a couple of cylinder head jobs before. There is a quicker way to remove the collets without using a clamp. Place a small piece of wood under the valve. Use a long spark plug removal tool, or a length of steel tube about 15cm long. Place the tube over the spring and gave it a short sharp whack with a hammer. The collets will just pop out. No risk of bent valve whatsoever.

I need to use strategically place small blocks of wood to use with the cheap and nasty Chiwanese c-clamp to install the springs.

[sabretooth]

A mate had the same idea as Warpspeed and has made me a tool already. I'll test it out when I get it on Saturday.



As much as a proper VSC would be nice - I reallly don't have the money at the moment. I mean I can pay for it but I'd rather keep the money in my pocket if I can. We'll see how I go with this tool.

Failing that, I'm open to any recommended shops/brands.

[adamjp]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Valve-Spring-Compressor-OHV-75-165mm-Capacity_W0QQitemZ4630293670QQcategoryZ35625QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

$26 to your door if the other solutions don't work for you.

[sabretooth]

The problem with that is that the top part doesn't reach into the head to push the top of the valve spring down. And you can't use it upside down or else the clamping part blocks the collet.

[Wuey]

The one shown in the ebay link looks almost exactly like the one I have. I still call it the cheap sh!t c-clamp. Mine is a bit too large for small 4-cylinder head hence I need to strategically place it cushioned with small blocks of wood to work each spring. With its very small and skinny handle, you wouldn't be surprised to learn how awkward and how much force you need to compress the spring without skinning your knuckles. I like the improvised contraption shown in Sabretooth's photo. I imagine you still need to use heaps of force to turn that small handle. Perhaps drilling a hole into the handle and use a screwdriver to turn it would be helpful. Those springs are tough to compress without the right tool!

[sabretooth]

Oh, I forgot to add - my mate thought of that too, and drilled a hole in the handle so that I can stick a screwdriver in to turn it.