Valve spring compressor doesn't work on new cars

[Toolhorder]

I have two valve spring compressors and for the second time I've run into a problem where the part that touches the top of the spring doesn't quite compress the spring enough before it touches the side of the cyl. head and it doesn't work. I put a socket on top it works but the socket falls out of position and there isn't enough room to put the valve stem keepers in.
So my plan is to cut the top part of a spark plug socket off and then remove the rubber insert and grind the sides in of the body of the socket then weld the top of the socket to the end of the valve spring compressor. I want to grind a hole in each side of the socket to allow me to access the keepers.

 

[jrobb316]

There are adaptors for your very situation. Almost a must have on today's cylinder heads if your doing valve work.

 

[lilcraigford]

You can find used Kent Moore adapters on eBay:

Whats the application?

 

[Toolhorder]

You can find used Kent Moore adapters on eBay:

Whats the application?

That's basically what I'm going to make then weld it to my existing compressor tip.
It's for a Subaru EJ25 engine. Normally I wouldn't be doing this but someone broke an oil sensor off in the head and snapped the casting off so the whole head needs to be replaced now and Subaru just send me the bare head no valve train/cam, valves, etc.. so I now have to clean the old valves of carbon and hand lap them and then install the old springs and new guide seals, etc..
I can't wait for ebay. I'll just make what I need but I was curious if others have done the same. The first time this happened when I was rebuilding my landcruiser head and the same thing happened.

 

[Toolhorder]

That picture above gave me a great idea. I can get the socket once I modify it and turn a groove into the shank at the end with my mini lathe and instead of welding it I can tighten the feet of the original valve spring compressor ends around the groove to hold it in place. That will allow me to keep the compressor original should I need it for old car heads and if I need to do something modern just attach adapter.

 

[Badattitude]

I have one of these that works slick for the oddball jobs where I don't have the proper adapter. For assembly just ball up a rag or 2 and stuff them under the valves when you set the head on a bench. Place the spring, retainer and keepers in position on the valve and a swift rap with a hammer on the tool sets the keepers in place.

If my explanation isn't clear, I can do a demo shot on Monday when I go to work

 

[Badattitude]

the tool

 

[jsaw]

I have made adapters out of a piece of 3/4" pipe

 

[Toolhorder]

Here's my homemade adapter. Hopefully it will work. I cut off the drive end of the socket then chucked it in my lathe and made turned some material off to make a groove in the side where the valve compressor tool will fit around it to hold it in place. I then ground out the sides to allow me to get at the keepers.

 

[Toolhorder]

 

[zakmartin]

Wow! Nicely done

 

[Hondarancher4435]

What kind of lathe do you use?

 

[Amit]

Hello, picture is no available.
Please upload the photo so that i can view ans and analyse it thank

 

[Amit]

Hello, please send me the picture you upload

 

[retDAC]

I have one of these that works slick for the oddball jobs where I don't have the proper adapter. For assembly just ball up a rag or 2 and stuff them under the valves when you set the head on a bench. Place the spring, retainer and keepers in position on the valve and a swift rap with a hammer on the tool sets the keepers in place.

If my explanation isn't clear, I can do a demo shot on Monday when I go to work

Hello, please send me the picture you upload

Did you notice this thread is four years old?


Anyway if you click on the link (these) in the reply I quoted, you get this:

Lisle (LIS36200) Magnetic Valve Keeper- Remover- Installer


Hope that helps.