My homemade valve spring compresser

**norvalwilhelm** · 11-29-05, 07:52 AM

As you know I tried taking my new heads apart and because of the roller springs I was unable to use a normal valve spring compresser.
With advice from forum member I made my own. I started with a 2 inch piece of 1 ¾ round steel. I drilled a 1 1/8 hole almost all the way through for clearance. The titanium retainers are exactly 1.500 inches in diameter so I bored a hole 1.505 for clearance around the retainer and .100 deep. Springs are 1.550 diameter so it leave a .025 lip around the retainer which I wanted to press on. I then took a 1 inch milling cutter and cut a pair of large windows to work through.

I checked the fit on the adapter on a spring and it fit snug but at the same time slid easily over the retainer and rested on the spring lip.

I then took a spare large heavy duty C clamp and after first trying to drill and tap a hole in the end for the adapter found the clamp too hard to drill so I welded the adapter to it.
I also wanted to protect the valve from the steel swivel so I took a piece of nylon and machined a boot to press over the swivel and protect the valve. I also rounded the end of the nylon slightly so it would seat in the center of the valve.

I didn’t go with putting a nut on the end of the screw for the impact because I wanted to give it a try without. For things like heads I like to work in the house in my workroom right off the rec room. This way I can be in the house with the wife and if she is on the computer she is only 10 feet away and we can talk. I get to work on the car and yet keep her company. I also like to take my time, have everything at room temperature and just be anal about it. With air I would be forced to use the shop and I really found the handle effortless to turn. I also had absolutely no problems breaking the keepers loose. The springs are about $250 AM and the titanium retains I don’t have a clue. I will trade the springs in and might also sell the retainers.

I took about 15 minutes to remove all 8 valves but you need someplace to keep them organized.

Years ago I made a whole series of different hardwood blocks. This is a thick piece of maple, drilled for the springs, the valves and the keeps. It help organize everything and keep them in order and in place.