Valve spring compressor

[signcrafter]

I've been watching some videos on replacing valve stem seals and valve spring compressors. See there are a lot of different valve spring compressors out there. I have one like this, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002STSM6/?tag=atomicindus08-20 but have never used it. But I've been looking at some other ones like the schley and the lisle keeper tools. I may have a family member's car that needs new seals to do in the near future. If so I'm thinking the valve spring compressor will be the payment. I don't charge family and friends, just get some new tools out of the deal to make the job easier!

The lisle looks pretty nice but my concern would be doing ones with the engine in the car and getting the back cylinders under the cowl, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P0ZJIS/?tag=atomicindus08-20. Besides that it looks like a nice setup.

This schley compressor looks really nice, like the "update" that allows you to use the handle separate from the compressor part. So you can have the actual compressor on the valve spring in the back of the engine and the handle can be out front with no obstructions. http://www.toolsource.com/universal-valve-spring-compressor-p-113632.html.

So which one of these would be the most useful for doing valves with the engine in the vehicle?

 

[Wamsutta]

Link 1 is for overhead valve engines.
Link 2 is for valve keepers, not seals.
Link 3 is for overhead cam engines.

You've got to first figure which type of engine (OHV or OHC) you'll be working on before you buy the tool. And some of those tools out there are application specific, not universal.

 

[signcrafter]

Link 1 is for overhead valve engines.
Link 2 is for valve keepers, not seals.
Link 3 is for overhead cam engines.

You've got to first figure which type of engine (OHV or OHC) you'll be working on before you buy the tool. And some of those tools out there are application specific, not universal.

Well technically they all "compress" the springs so you can take the keepers out. The lisle tool just does it a little differently.

 

[rharman]

Realistically, how often will you use it? I'd look into borrow or rent from the local auto parts.

Heresy, I know...... But why not save a few bucks for a (likely) one time job.

 

[devoncoolman]

Used #1&#3. 1 is old school for ohv engines. The schley compressor works great and will work on most ohv engines too. I know ive done it on taurus 3.0 ohv. If you have the room. Use the schley you will love it. Its about as good as it gets for on car work.

 

[signcrafter]

Realistically, how often will you use it? I'd look into borrow or rent from the local auto parts.

Heresy, I know...... But why not save a few bucks for a (likely) one time job.

Not very often. But this would be for a family member and I don't charge family members. But I do get a new tool out of the deal. So they would be paying for the tool. This has been my "policy" and has worked good for me so far. If I charge for cash it seems like they, at least some of them, think I'm ripping them off or feel I should do it for free. But if I say I need a tool to do the job they don't argue and don't feel like their just throwing cash to me. Kind of silly since if I do charge cash it's next to nothing. Just how I "charge" them and it's worked out good for everyone and I've gotten a lot of tools I otherwise wouldn't be able to afford.

Used #1. 1 is old school for ohv engines. The schley compressor works great and will work on most ohv engines too. I know ive done it on taurus 3.0 ohv. If you have the room. Use the schley you will love it. Its about as good as it gets for on car work.

Thanks for the review. I'm really liking the schley and it's not too expensive.

Had read a lot of good about the lisle valve keeper tools but thought there might be some clearance issues using them on engines still in the car.

 

[Jetfixr320]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/lsm-sc-400?seid=srese1&gclid=CJOV7OHu1LwCFSZp7AodLy0A4A

These work nice. But, may be a issue in tight engine compartments.
My buddy runs BBC owns one and loaned it to me. Was able to make it work on a SBF.

 

[compressornew]

I suggest Lisle valve keeper is best one for use.It's functions is easily attached with compressor machine.Valve keeper attached with compressor machine and fix errors.

 

[signcrafter]

I suggest Lisle valve keeper is best one for use.It's functions is easily attached with compressor machine.Valve keeper attached with compressor machine and fix errors.

Not sure I understand your post.

My concern with the lisle is if the heads are still on the engine and in the vehicle is there any issue using it to get the springs in the back of the engine where clearance could be an issue getting the tool in there let alone a hammer to hit the lisle tool if needed.

 

[signcrafter]

Would you guys go with the schley or lisle for in vehicle work? I'm leaning towards the schley. I don't do a lot of head and valve work but who knows what the future holds. Think my main use would be replacing stem seals for now.

 

[devoncoolman]

Schley is the way to go. What car and engine are you working on?

 

[raffaelli]

Check this guy and his zip tie method. I have done it a couple of times on honda heads.

 

[devoncoolman]

You cant do that with most valve springs. Try that on a small block.

 

[GTA Matt]

Used #1. 1 is old school for ohv engines. The schley compressor works great and will work on most ohv engines too. I know ive done it on taurus 3.0 ohv. If you have the room. Use the schley you will love it. Its about as good as it gets for on car work.

How ridgid is the Schley tool? Would it handle stiffer aftermarket springs without too much trouble?

 

[devoncoolman]

It depends on how stiff your talking. A bbc spring with 600pounds of seat pressure is a no. Not enough leverage and the tool wouldnt last. But anything under 300 pounds seat pressure should be ok. What are you working on matt?

If your working on sbc or bbc there are way better tools for those that we use at the race track regularly. That are way easyer to set up and way faster.

 

[Jrican]

I got the Lisle for the heads on my 5.9 magnum (Dodge). It worked very slick, and I was able to use it with out a hamer as long as I could get my weight over it.

 

[signcrafter]

Schley is the way to go. What car and engine are you working on?

Well I'm not really working on any car right now. The car that may or may not need it is a 3.8L OHV. It has some signs that the valve seals might be bad but I haven't really looked into it yet. I just try to do my homework way ahead of time so I know what I'm getting into and what tools I will need. Looks like the schley may or may not work on this engine since it's an OHV, was looking at some pictures but not sure if there is a good place to bolt the two end supports for the compressor on or not.

Plus like I mentioned above I get paid in tools for jobs like these. So sometimes I don't really "need" them but will just get them for future use. It's just easier to say I need whatever specialty tool to do the job for them then to say it's going to be 200 dollars. Family members seem to be more receptive to buying tools I "need" to do them a favor then to hand over cash!

 

[devoncoolman]

I hear ya. Is it a chevy 3.8 or a foord 3.8. Either way it should work on both.

 

[GTA Matt]

It depends on how stiff your talking. A bbc spring with 600pounds of seat pressure is a no. Not enough leverage and the tool wouldnt last. But anything under 300 pounds seat pressure should be ok. What are you working on matt?

If your working on sbc or bbc there are way better tools for those that we use at the race track regularly. That are way easyer to set up and way faster.

A new hemi, if you're familiar with comps 26918 springs, I bent 3 sets of the first compressor that Signcrafter posted installing them. Its time to do them again, this time with a better spring. Trying to make it less painful for myself.

 

[signcrafter]

I hear ya. Is it a chevy 3.8 or a foord 3.8. Either way it should work on both.

Chevy. I think for this OHV engine the lisle might be better since everything is pretty much in the open but the schley looks like it might work on more engines and be nicer in some situations. Maybe I need both?!!!

 

[devoncoolman]

Signcrafter the schley tool is the way to go. I dont like the lisle tool its makshift in my opinion. Its not the proper professional way to do it.

Gtamatt the new hemis are tough the factory miller tool ***** dont bother with that one. You need this tool http://www.superiorautomotive.com/hemi-valve-spring-tool.html that tool is the best on the market for hemis. Those comp springs are beehive with around 360 psi of pressure open so they are not going to compress easily. Becarefull you can break those cheapy spring tools. Or bend the springs.

Crane makes a spin off of the superior tool. But its not quite as good. But it does get the job done.

 

[GTA Matt]

Chevy. I think for this OHV engine the lisle might be better since everything is pretty much in the open but the schley looks like it might work on more engines and be nicer in some situations. Maybe I need both?!!!

The chevy 3.8 is pretty wide open. The universal turn style compressor would work just fine for that application.

 

[srmofo]

You are also gonna need a way to keep the valve elevated. I like to use my compression tester hose hooked up to shop air. Sounds like a good way to get another tool.

Others lower the piston, feed rope in, then raise the piston

 

[GTA Matt]

Gtamatt the new hemis are tough the factory miller tool ***** dont bother with that one. You need this tool http://www.superiorautomotive.com/hemi-valve-spring-tool.html that tool is the best on the market for hemis. Those comp springs are beehive with around 360 psi of pressure open so they are not going to compress easily. Becarefull you can break those cheapy spring tools. Or bend the springs.

Crane makes a spin off of the superior tool. But its not quite as good. But it does get the job done.

I've seen that tool, but this would be a one time use deal. Everything else I own is LS or sbc. Was looking for something that I could also use at work on 'normal' cars. Thanks for the reviews!

Sorry for the partial thread jack Signcrafter, that schley tool really caught my eye!

 

[signcrafter]

Signcrafter the schley tool is the way to go. I dont like the lisle tool its makshift in my opinion. Its not the proper professional way to do it.

Out of curiosity why do you say the lisle is makeshift? Seems like it gets mostly good reviews.

The chevy 3.8 is pretty wide open. The universal turn style compressor would work just fine for that application.

Ya it is but then what would my "payment" be for doing the job?

 

[signcrafter]

You are also gonna need a way to keep the valve elevated. I like to use my compression tester hose hooked up to shop air. Sounds like a good way to get another tool.

Others lower the piston, feed rope in, then raise the piston

I saw that in a video. I have a compression tester hose and you just have to take the schrader valve out right?

I've seen that tool, but this would be a one time use deal. Everything else I own is LS or sbc. Was looking for something that I could also use at work on 'normal' cars. Thanks for the reviews!

Sorry for the partial thread jack Signcrafter, that schley tool really caught my eye!

No problem Matt, I'm always up for learning about different tools and applications! Ya the schley looks really nice. I really like that the handle and the compressor part can be operated separately. You should contact SPTools and see what they say about their tool and your springs.

 

[devoncoolman]

Smacking valve springs with a hammer is for barbarians. We build race engines so i was taught to repair engines properly. Not with a hammer! Srmofo is correct though. You will have to pump the cyl with compressed air or use rope to hold the valves closed. I normally take my compression gauge hose and remove the schrader out of it and pump shop air into the cyl.

Gta matt yeah i understand you with the posible one time use deal. It is a great tool but for $200 its salty if you dont work on hemis often. Honestly the schley compressor will most likely work for you.

 

[signcrafter]

Smacking valve springs with a hammer is for barbarians. We build race engines so i was taught to repair engines properly. Not with a hammer! Srmofo is correct though. You will have to pump the cyl with compressed air or use rope to hold the valves closed. I normally take my compression gauge hose and remove the schrader out of it and pump shop air into the cyl.

Gta matt yeah i understand you with the posible one time use deal. It is a great tool but for $200 its salty if you dont work on hemis often. Honestly the schley compressor will most likely work for you.

Alright I think I'm pretty convinced on the schley. Thanks again for all your advice.

What pressure do you run into the cylinders to hold the valves? Also do you set them to TDC? From what I've been reading some say to set them to TDC before applying air and some say not to because they can rotate if you set them at TDC. Does it matter?

 

[devoncoolman]

Honestly just pull all your rockers off first then pump it up doesnt matter once all the rockers are off. Since all the valves will be closed. Also it doesnt matter what psi you use anything over 70 psi will hold the valves closed. Just dont go over 200 psi. On a used engine with lots if miles you can damage the rings if you go above 200psi air pressure. Good luck signcrafter if you have to do the seals. Any questions just ask. Do this **** everyday. And i know the 3.8 chevy pretty well.

 

[srmofo]

Some engines will rotate, others won't. I just run full pressure. I think its around 170. Just hook the air up first and keep your fingers out of the way.

BTW those 3.4s are pretty notorious for pulling the rocker threads out

Edit just skimmed through the posts and misread. I now know its the 3.8

 

[devoncoolman]

The 3.4s are good for breaking the rocker bolts off too. Some versions used 8mm rocker bolts. Most used 10mm. They were ok.

 

[signcrafter]

Are the 3.8s as easy to strip as the 3.4s? If so anything I should do to minimize the chance of them stripping? If they do strip what is the fix?

 

[GTA Matt]

3.8 is a cast iron head. You would have to be doing something terribly wrong to strip the threads on those.

Sent via Morse code

 

[Goldhawg]

I bought this one for my chevy 350 vortec valve springs after the parts store one was a joke
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004KEJVDO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Worked pretty fast. Maybe not the greatest quality, but if you are only doing a set occasionally, the price is right and it gets the job done.

 

[devoncoolman]

Thats the same tool we use at the racetrack. Its fast and reliable.

Signcrafter the 3.8 is an iron headed engine. You would break the bolts before stripping the theads. Not much to worry about with the 3.8 pretty straight forward. Lots of coolant leaking issues with that engine. From the stupid idea of running coolant through the belt tensioner to the dumb idea of an egr port in a plastic intake. Both common issues.

 

[signcrafter]

That's good to hear about the threads not stripping. Ya we did the intake gaskets a while back and the two plastic tubes.

 

[Falcon67]

The Powerbuilt item is more likely to work well for you if it fits your style of head. The first one you posted is junk IMHO - been there tossed that. I only work on SBFs and use a big Mac air operated spring compressor with heads on the bench.

 

[signcrafter]

I picked this up on ebay, got it for under 15 bucks and combined shipping form a seller I was buying some other stuff from. Not sure if I'll ever use it, it's made for 3.0 diesel jeeps or something. But figure I can fab up some different ends if needed and it might work for other vehicles. Pretty nice looking. I'll probably still get the schley one when I need it. But figured this would be a decent addition for hard to reach ones.

 

[GTA Matt]

For $15 you can't really go wrong there. Looks like you should be able to make something usable out of it. I ended up getting the Schley piece. Was actually just delivered today.

 

[signcrafter]

For $15 you can't really go wrong there. Looks like you should be able to make something usable out of it. I ended up getting the Schley piece. Was actually just delivered today.

Nice, let me know how you like it after you get a chance to use it. I only got this because I bought a valve stem seal pliers from the guy and I always check the seller's other listings. Came across this and figured for the price it looked like it might come in handy. Also bought a brake pressure tester. Figured if nothing else I have a nice ashcroft 3000 PSI gauge and hose.