Removing Valves?

mktsc said:

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

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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......

mktsc said:

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

-MK

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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............