Valve Spring Compressor Woes

[scooby67]

Hi all. I’m doing an in car cam swap in my relatively stock 69 340. I attempted to use an overhead valve spring compressor to remove the retainers, but I can’t get the spring compressed enough. It appears the springs have been replaced at one time with dual coil units. Quite hefty, I might add!
Anyway, is the shaft mounted type of compressor the only way to go?
(PS: I’m going from a .455 lift to a .488 with a bit more duration. Is all this work really necessary? Lol!)

 

[Ironmike]

There's a Comp one that bolts to the heads where the shafts bolt to. Shafts must be off of course. Worked pretty good for me.

You have to add enough air to the cyl to be sure the valve stays closed.

 

[ValiantRacing]

Mancini makes one, been using mine for over 15 years

 

[remytherat]

I’m going from a .455 lift to a .488 with a bit more duration. Is all this work really necessary?

Mostly for the purpose of not having a ton of spring pressure during break in. Replace with only out springs, break in the cam, then add in the inners.

 

[TT5.9mag]

PS: I’m going from a .455 lift to a .488 with a bit more duration. Is all this work really necessary? Lol!)

Not enough info to answer that question.

 

[Desoto291hemi]

Have you hit the top of the retainers to loosen the locks first ?
They will seat,,,and are basically impossible to budge if not hit with something first .
Check that out first .

Tommy

 

[scooby67]

Have you hit the top of the retainers to loosen the locks first ?
They will seat,,,and are basically impossible to budge if not hit with something first .
Check that out first .

Tommy

Yes. I can almost get the retainers out. The spring needs to compress a hair more. Can’t make it happen with the tool I’m using.

 

[scooby67]

Mancini makes one, been using mine for over 15 years

I just ordered it. Thank you!

 

[toolmanmike]

All these posts and no photos?

 

[scooby67]

All these posts and no photos?

What would you like to see?

 

[4spdragtop]

LOTS of homemade ones on here. That's what I did. No way the 2 store bought ones would work.
Made from a socket and old hyd rocker arm.

 

[4spdragtop]

Valve spring compressor......what's everyone use?

 

[furrystump]

I use the comp shaft one, works just fine for me.

 

[cudamark]

I use an old K-D unit that hooks under an extra rocker shaft that I kept for that purpose. As for keeping the valves from falling in, I've used both the compressed air method and the rope method. Both work fine, but stuffing the rope in the combustion chamber takes a bit longer, but, probably a safer method.....as long as you don't lose the end of the rope inside!