home made valve spring compressor

[tapkoote]

another question while I'm here.
I'm working on reassembling an 8hp briggs
I used my regular auto compressor for the exhaust valve W/split collar.
The intake has the slip on collar and I'd think a simple lever would work. Screw drivers get in the way of the collar.
anyone got a favorite tool?
tap

 

[Haveblue]

Is your auto one the type you can use with the head on the vehicle? Make sure that slip on collar has absolutely NO wear. Might even be worth just getting a new one. I reused one once, and it was back in the shop two months later, because the collar came off. luckily there was no damage, it could have been bad!

 

[tapkoote]

No it's the big C clamp style, the fingers are to big for this chore.
These are new collars. You're right I don't want to do it again.
tap

 

[Haveblue]

Ah, good call on getting new ones!! I just bought an overhead compressor yesterday thats made by Evercraft. Some of their tools arent that great, but it seems well made, ill have a chance to use it on an old ford truck monday. Seems like it would work for small engines if the "tangs" are close enough together for the smaller size, but they could be bent inward to work..but I wouldnt want to keep bending them in and out. If you work on enough small engines it may be worth gettin one and modifying it just for that purpose. Ill let you know how the evercraft one does for me...Im kinda anxious to use it! LOL! Kids and their toys!!

 

[sberry]

a flat tapet wrench as a pry tool comes to mind for some reason.

 

[Haveblue]

The problem for me is finding something to pry against, especially with the engine pulled..Its impossible to get any leverage. The other issue is its hard to apply even compression to the spring without a tool being in the way as it can tilt, and make installing the keepers, collars, retainers, whatever you want to call em hard to install, and send them flying...it is not a good scenario if you cant find your new keepers that just went into orbit! lol! I think the overhead compressor might be perfect for this. I realize you asked about a home made one, but for $20 you can get a tool thats going to work right everytime...I just gave you an excuse to buy a new tool.

 

[tapkoote]

HAHA
I gave it one more try with a skinny screw driver and it popped right in.
I spent 20 minutes last night and gave up.
Thanks guys