Hi All, I have searched and seen many different methods and tools to compress valve springs, but not a method like this. Perhaps this will help others rebuilding their m20 heads.
Since I was only doing one head, I thought I could get by with the Harbor Freight "universal valve spring compressor". But (surprise, surprise), it didn't work well. Normally I would spring (pun intended) for a proper tool, but thought "this is not that complicated, the tolerances are not tight, and the forces are not large, so there must be a better way".
The problem with the HB tool is that it only grabs (and frequently falls off) the larger outside spring, but doesn't compress the inner spring. But the adapter on the tool is useful. So here's what I did...
Tools required:
6" C clamp
Harbor Freight Universal Valve Spring Compressor
Magnet tool
Here's the Harbor Freight tool:
I needed the adapter, so I removed the c-clip:
then I used pliers to adjust the adapter...
...to fit the spring retainers with clearance for the keepers:
Place a towel around the top, side, and bottom of the head where you'll be working:
continued on the next post as I've reached my maximum photo upload
Since I was only doing one head, I thought I could get by with the Harbor Freight "universal valve spring compressor". But (surprise, surprise), it didn't work well. Normally I would spring (pun intended) for a proper tool, but thought "this is not that complicated, the tolerances are not tight, and the forces are not large, so there must be a better way".
The problem with the HB tool is that it only grabs (and frequently falls off) the larger outside spring, but doesn't compress the inner spring. But the adapter on the tool is useful. So here's what I did...
Tools required:
6" C clamp
Harbor Freight Universal Valve Spring Compressor
Magnet tool
Here's the Harbor Freight tool:
I needed the adapter, so I removed the c-clip:
then I used pliers to adjust the adapter...
...to fit the spring retainers with clearance for the keepers:
Place a towel around the top, side, and bottom of the head where you'll be working:
continued on the next post as I've reached my maximum photo upload
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