Valve spring compressor...

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Krooser

Krooser

Building Chinese Free Engines since 1959...
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Looking for advice on buying my next valve spring compressor.

I have a vintage c-style spring compressor and it works good... but not on solid roller valve springs. Just not HD enough.

I see a manual compressor sold by Competition Products... seems to be a little tougher than what I have. before I pull the trigger I'd like to see what you guys use.

Got a $100-ish budget.


Proform, Heavy-Duty Valve Spring Compressor, HD - Competition Products
 
Lisle Corporation
I use this one. Just did some roller springs with it. 580# open like butter! I think you can pick it up under $100. I like to put a hose clamp around the retainer end once it's set as extra insurance that the jaws don't spread open while in use.
 
I made one similar to this. Haven't met a valvespring it won't compress. I have two of the baddest pneumatic compressors made and they lay in the drawer.
C0E89CE4-F0BE-4A9B-9FDB-B217C047492A_zpscp3ynbpw.jpg
 
The one I have is a Lisle I believe... just not big enough for the job. Does OK on stock stuff but not race springs.

I have several big c-clamps in stock... might have a new project real soon!
 
I have an old Lisle and an old New Britain which are not adequate for roller springs either. I also stole the C- clamp idea from a Google search and pretty much use it exclusively these days. Slow but effective.
 
Looks like it could use a little grease on the threads and a power tool to drive it.
 
I actually thought about scratch-fabbing a C clamp one simply because the big "universal" ones are so floppy and unstable. Most of this is because of the interchangeable jaw design. I would use small square tube. You know me. It won't be pretty, just basic fabbed up with a long screw, etc.
 
67Dart273 said:
I actually thought about scratch-fabbing a C clamp one simply because the big "universal" ones are so floppy and unstable. Most of this is because of the interchangeable jaw design. I would use small square tube. You know me. It won't be pretty, just basic fabbed up with a long screw, etc.
Click to expand...
I had a girlfriend like that....
 
Mines a "on head" little puller looking thing. 2 jaws and a jack screw driving 2 sides of hollow ram so you can dig the keepers out.. ditto on the hose clamp around the jaws for safety, I wonder why they dont come with a slip ring that slides down the jaws when set. You can change springs 'on the motor' if you use a clothespin to keep the valve from dropping (or just run the piston to TDC and let it rest on dome.)
 
pishta said:
Mines a "on head" little puller looking thing. 2 jaws and a jack screw driving 2 sides of hollow ram so you can dig the keepers out.. ditto on the hose clamp around the jaws for safety, I wonder why they dont come with a slip ring that slides down the jaws when set. You can change springs 'on the motor' if you use a clothespin to keep the valve from dropping (or just run the piston to TDC and let it rest on dome.)
Click to expand...


These were originally built by KD tool, now there are several Chineseoated copies

Like this?

41D8a1EOiKL._AC_UL320_SR310,320_.jpg


I've got (somewhere) my old KD I've had since the SEVENTIES. I've also got a chinese copy I bought at a yard sale
 
I have one of those KD deals, too.. not strong enough for the springs I have.
 
Yup, mines a little "Chin-sey"... as the retainer for the ram is broken so I have to stack it manually. works, just not that great. Another one I saw for shaft mounted rockers is the lever type that hooks the empty rocker shaft and just pushes the spring down like a 18" lever.
bmw88886113180.jpg
 
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If you have a big enough C clamp and can at least scab weld you can make your own. I just find a spring cup that is big enough for what you need (my personal spring compressor has a 1.6875 I.D.) you can cut off the foot and weld on the spring cup and you're good to go.
 
67Dart273 said:
These were originally built by KD tool, now there are several Chineseoated copies
Agreed.... Sold NAPA, and thus K.D. off the shelf.... Worked wonderful every time, even 400 rate pound open rate springs... The Chinese stuff, couldn't remove worn out Magnum stock valve springs.....

Like this?

View attachment 1715051678

I've got (somewhere) my old KD I've had since the SEVENTIES. I've also got a chinese copy I bought at a yard sale
Click to expand...
 
Craftsman, $34, solid c-frame, amazingly made in America still, works fine, was in stock at local Sears store, get one before the company disappears completely!:(

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I tried them all but the best is the Comp Cam tool. Mounts to the rocker shaft bosses and has zero issue compressing heavy springs. I bent 2 C clamp presses and the two armed puller worked like a bag of gravel. The Comp Cam one works with the heads installed so you can pop out your break in springs easier. It is expensive for such a simple design...the only bad part.
cca-5324.jpg
 
I own one of those and like it a lot.
Expensive? Well, sometimes it is just easier than making my own so I didn't mind paying.
 
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