For the record, I strongly dislike a C valve spring compressor

Gregsgroup · 08-30-2009, 07:07 PM

Title says it all. I literally just shot a valve spring across the garage when the spring compressor's perch slipped, its spring retainer hasn't been heard from since. Thank you to our host..its it stock!

Always something.

gestalt1 · 08-31-2009, 04:25 AM

I agree, those things are terrible. i'm surprised that they are the standard tool for disassembling heads. the bolt-on type spring compressors that wayne uses in his book are the way to go.

JFairman · 08-31-2009, 12:18 PM

I've never had any problem with the big C clamp valve spring compressors and prefer them by far to anything else I've tried... mostly because they work on any cylinder head I've come across after it's removed from the block or cylinders, and I like and have worked on alot of motors other than the 911 engines.

Walt Fricke · 09-11-2009, 11:00 PM

Well, I purchased a multi-engine C shaped with lever compressor from Sears. Oh, boy, now I can do some work on my own heads - at least change springs.

Thing bent. I welded a bar across it just far enough away from anything so it would work on my 911 heads. Next something else broke. Other things flexed. I ended up welding in a retainer I'd modified to push on the retainer. I welded plates on various parts, strengthened things as they bent. Eventually got it so it would work fairly well. The fact that it ratcheted (and held, after modifications) was nice. I guess if a C clamp style worked, it would hold the depressed position. But mine looks like a bunch of drunks practiced welding on it.

Man, I'd love the factory deal: set your head on the stand, position the thing that depresses the retainer, and pull down on the lever. But maybe there are drawbacks to these too.

Walt Fricke

E Sully · E Sully's Garage

I have the Sears spring compressor and it has worked well for me. I did some quick setup adjustments and it worked great. This pic is after doing two sets of 3.2 Carrera heads. No bending or twisting issues at all.

J P Stein · 06:48 AM

Hay, Walt:
I'm gettig out of the biddness and I have a C clamp type ring compressor that you *won't* bend. It is similar to the one pictured....but much stouter. PM me if interested......cheep, too.
I haven't time to take a pic now, but can later.

J P Stein · 04:46 PM

These valve spring compressors have been around virtually unchanged since the 60s. It's made in someplace called USA.

Made by "warning,: wear eye protection". I've had it for 10-12 years. .......

Walt Fricke · 09-12-2009, 06:33 PM

Maybe my Sears VS compressor was made on a Monday. Or I am a brute. Replaced all the pivot pins, as well as doing this crude reinforcing. Plus giving it some much needed leverage. None of this was done before the part involved failed (bent, generally). I belive I had to do at least some of this before installing higher pressure springs. Glad others have had a better experience.

Thanks, JP, but no thanks. This now works well enough for use every couple of years. And it is a bit faster, I think, than the screw clamp, though maybe not. There is the uncertainty factor.

Walt Fricke

docrodg · 09-12-2009, 07:05 PM

I have two... the sears one and an old one that is large, beefed up, and has a huge hand-nut on side for adjustment as well as a large flat anvil on bottom so it won't slip. Picked it up at a swap-meet for 10 bucks. I ahve used OHV compressors, bench compressors, and these c clamp ones... the swap meet was the best.

J P Stein · 07:22 PM

The screw clamp is an adjustment to vary length for your valve.. That big rod rod thingy is the working part. As shown it is in compressed mode.....it goes over center & holds there. Pull it out and it opens. .
The black thingy on the far end is adjustable for the diameter of your retainer. The half moon shapes on on either side don't allow the retainer to slip out.

Simple, effective & strong......but hay, that art work of yours....I'd keep that if just for a conversation piece.
It should have a warning lable. Warning, wear body armour and a full face helmet.

JFairman · 09-13-2009, 08:25 AM

Ya know, you can always very easily return the $20 Sears C type valve spring compressor if you don't like it.
They'll even take it back and give you all your money back if you used it.

That mangled mess in the bottom picture is pretty funny.

docrodg · 09-13-2009, 02:48 PM

I believe that modified one was the VS compressor used for Frankenstein's Monsters heart valves during assembly.

Walt Fricke · 09-14-2009, 09:08 AM

Some day, maybe, I'll take a welding class.

Strange thing is, my goober welds have done what was asked of them over the years. So has my cheapo MIG. The regulator, of all things, had a tiny seal fail deep inside after almost 20 years. Since it is an off (or no) brand, I just bought another regulator from Harbor Fright.

Some things we are not supposed to understand. Like why one man's Sears machine worked fine for him, while mine started bending right away, leading to progressive reinforcement.

Walt