Spark Plug Compressor Air Adapter

[chicane]

I am getting ready to replace my valve stem seals. This is not a complete head rebuild and the heads will remain in the truck. In order to do this I need a Spark Plug Compressor Air Adapter to provide constant air pressure to the cylinder in order to keep the valves from falling into the cylinder.

I can't find this adapter anywhere. Does anyone know where i can pick one up online or anywhere else?

[Charles (in GA)]

I've got a couple of 18 mm and a couple of 14 mm. They used to be marketed by KD tools or Lisle tools.

Here is the KD set of one each of both sizes

http://www.kd-tools.com/901.htm

Here is the Lisle version

http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=189

These are commonly found on the rotating tool boards in auto parts places such as NAPA.

Charles

[goodfellow]

Two cheap ones I made.

1) Good: take an old spark plug, cut the cermic insulator half way down with a cutting disk or bimetal saw blade. then drill it out down through the electrode -- attache a small bit of 3/8" hose with a hose clamp on one end and an airline fitting with a hose clamp on the other.

2) Better: Buy a cheap compression tester ($10.00 at Wally World) remove the hose and attach an airline fitting with a hose clamp and you're ready to go. Most gauges have standard 1/4" NPT fittings on the end, so if you're careful, you can unscrew the gauge from the hose and just install an air nipple.

[russlaferrera]

KD also makes an air hold hose in 14 mm and 18 mm, part # 2992

[ImportTuner]

I've got a couple of 18 mm and a couple of 14 mm. They used to be marketed by KD tools or Lisle tools.

Here is the KD set of one each of both sizes

http://www.kd-tools.com/901.htm

Here is the Lisle version

http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=189

These are commonly found on the rotating tool boards in auto parts places such as NAPA.

Charles

Wow, I haven't seen these since the late 60's; I had a set but I don't know whatever happened to them ...

[PoorOwner]

IIRC a leak down tester should let you do this and also verify the repair.

[joenero]

Agree with the leak down tester, Star seems to be the common domestic made one but Mityvac makes a set too I think.