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Valve Spring Compressors

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arbs_53

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Thanks to everyone who mentioned the rope trick to get the head lifted off my TR250. It worked pretty slick once I stuffed enough rope in there. I was pretty amazed at how much rope it took and how easily it lifted the head.
Anyways, I'm picking the head up tomorrow from the machine shop after having the broken manifold stud removed and I want to clean everything before putting it back on the block. I know I got some paper material inside the intakes from the manifold gasket I scrapped off and I'm wondering who sells the best valve spring compressor for this application or if it really matters: will any spring compressor work? Or, would it be ok to pick out the larger pieces of material and let the smaller stuff get blown out without having to remove the valves?
 
Pull it down if for no other reason than to inspect the seats!

K-D makes a very good tool for what you need to do. Check NAPA or a good tool supply house.
 
Sears sells one that's okay, but I prefer stud mounted ones. I attempted to use the one I used on my Chevy small block on the TR3A and couldn't make it work, finally resorting to the old hammer and socket.

The one Sears sells is a "wrap around" design that was difficult to get to work on the Chevy. It didn't want to compress the spring away from the retainers, and the metal was flexy. On a head with non-racing springs, I suspect it'll work fine.
 
Maybe I should have mentioned the head had a number of modifications done to it about three years ago: shaved to get 9.5:1 compression, ported and polished, flow bench tested, new valve guides and seats, tubular pushrods, competition valve springs, new valves, etc. So knowing this, would you still tear it down and, if so, which brand of compressor would be better in this case?
 
The best ones are still the adjustable big "C" clamp style.

Of course that's just my humble opinion. The stud style are great for heads on the block, but when it's off, I like the Big C.

Please try to stay away from the hammer and socket if at all possible. I know it works at times in an emergency and this isn't an emergency. It's just plain dangerous and unsafe. You'd be amazed what a flying keeper or spring can do to human flesh.
 
I'm with Th' Big Brosky here. The K-D "C" clampone is cheap enuff and works as billed. I've used it (with a "custom" adaptor) to disassemble all types of valves... Lotus to Ferrari.

Hammers and sockets will only get ya grief.
 
I used a large C clamp and a socket that I can't remember what it was. Maybe an O2 sensor socket that is open on one side. Worked fine but I wouldn't use it often. I didn't want to spring (get it) for one a proper one for $60 from the tool store.
 
Dave,
I have one of the C style compressors. You are welcome to use it anytime.
PeterK
 
Most auto parts stores (Checker/Kragen/Schucks, Autozone, etc) will lend you one. They just put the cost of the tool on your credit card and give you a full credit when you return it.

Done it many times. They do this with most of the specialty tools they sell -- probably easier than having people buy them and then return them for a refund when they are done.
 
Peter, I'm going to take you up on that offer. Send me your phone # in a PM. Maybe I'll stop by tonight if you're going to be home. Thanks.
 
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