[mktsc]

I'm gearing up for this head teardown and rebuild, and in looking through the shop manual, it appears I'm going to need a valve spring compressor. I've seen a couple of DIY ones used, but I don't have the means. I've also found one on eBay for about $45.

Before I do anything, I wanted to see if you guys had any tips or tricks.

Thanks

-MK

 

[tbpmusic]

I'm gearing up for this head teardown and rebuild, and in looking through the shop manual, it appears I'm going to need a valve spring compressor. I've seen a couple of DIY ones used, but I don't have the means. I've also found one on eBay for about $45.

Before I do anything, I wanted to see if you guys had any tips or tricks.

Thanks

-MK

You don't mention year/model, but maybe it doesn't matter....

To remove the springs is easy - put an empty socket on top of the valve spring retainer and give it a rap with a hammer - the retainers should pop out.

To put them back together, you will need a valve spring tool, sorry.
Some guys manage without out it, but you have to get pretty inventive......

 

[fasterspider]

This is the valve spring compressor I use that came from ebay for less than $50.00 including shipping.

Item # 270387796936 on ebay

 

[jayel]

you can borrow tools from auto zone, pepboys or whatever, but for such a small job just take the head in and they would probably do it for you, (Note) pay attention to which valves, springs and keeper washers (top and bottom) go together and which valve they go to and which directions springs are fitted

 

[mktsc]

Thanks, I thought about Autozone. I might've found a guy here at work that has one I can borrow. If not, I might use a big-ass c-clamp and fab something up out of bar stock to act as the attachment.

I'll assess the situation when I get the parts.

Thanks again,

-MK

 

[tbpmusic]

If not, I might use a big-ass c-clamp and fab something up out of bar stock to act as the attachment.

-MK

Be careful - if your clamp slips off while you're trying to do it, those springs, retainers, and little keepers become un-guided missles, and can be lost real easily. You'll never know if they dropped in the engine, embedded themselves in the wall, went under a box, etc.

Especially in a cluttered shop like mine.............

Don't ask how I know this............

 

[leethal]

If your getting a professional valve job, you might avoid all the fear and loathing and let them remove the valves (and put them back in). Otherwise the socket piece and hammer worked well for me...didnt even lose a collet or nuttin

 

[mktsc]

No professional valve job, just taking parts from two separate heads, to make one good one, lol.

-MK

 

[jayel]

No professional valve job, just taking parts from two separate heads, to make one good one, lol.

-MK

if they go together without at least lapping in, go buy a lottery ticket asap

 

[mktsc]

I have some valve grinding compount, and I'll make sure to lap them before I re-install the springs.

-MK

 

[fasterspider]

I have some valve grinding compount, and I'll make sure to lap them before I re-install the springs.

-MK

Lapping the valves is so easy on a 4 valve head, 10 minutes and it is done.
I use Permatex brand water based valve grinding compound.
Today I have to lap in 16 valves on a cb900c head with the customer sitting right there. :roll:

 

[qcrider]

This is the valve spring compressor I use that came from ebay for less than $50.00 including shipping.

Item # 270387796936 on ebay

Okay long shot here - do you know if this compressor will work on a harley evo head or could I get you to take some messurements for me?

Depth of the C and distance between compressing points with the attachment installed.

Any help you can give me would be appreciated

Ernie