Make your own valve spring compressor for $15

[cbatters]

Originally Posted by skunkworks

I like plan A. Do you think a tool could could be make that would slip over the vss and pull them off? I would love to be able to do this without having to remove the cams.

I was thinking the vss are like the ones in the intrepid where the valve spring traps the seal down.

sam

With the right tool, the VSS could be pried off of the valve guide and slid up the valve stem without removing the spring.


Clint

[cbatters]

Getting the VSS is not a big deal... I am more concerned about the integrity of installig the VSS with the spring still covering the valve stem. Unfortunately, the VSS don't really "snap" in place so you need to make sure that you have applied adequate pressure to seat them correctly.

Working on a remover/installer tool that can reach through the coils of the spring.

(Thanks again to *GT for the DOHC test head. MUCH easier trying things out with the head on a bench.)


Clint

[skunkworks]

Could you post some pictures (not of your tool) of the valve with the spring so I can see what kind of clearances we are looking at. You could get the "rocker" out with no problem with the cam installed?

thanks

[cbatters]

Originally Posted by skunkworks

Could you post some pictures (not of your tool) of the valve with the spring so I can see what kind of clearances we are looking at. You could get the "rocker" out with no problem with the cam installed?

thanks

Dealers remove rockers all the time with the cam shafts in place to replace lifters. There is a special Mitsu tool but you remove them with screwdrivers if you are careful.

Look at http://www.stealth316.com/misc/insta...ew_lifters.doc for some pics.



Clint

[skunkworks]

thanks - those pictures are all I need to have an idea of where the valve spring is in relation to the cam.

sam

[OthercarisaFiat]

Originally Posted by cbatters

...PLAN B (probably too complicated/risky for average users)
1. Attach c clip to top of valve stem - remove pressure allowing valve to drop down into cylinder - remove spring

2. Re-pressurize cylinder - remove clip - remove/install VSS

3. Reinstall clip - remove pressure - reinstall spring - pressurize - remove clip

4. Install valve retainer - compress spring - install keepers - decompress spring

Sounds complicated but the whole procedure should not take more than 2-3 minutes / cylinder.


Clint

I think you will have a lot of trouble with Plan B, Step 3. The valves will not necessarily pop up when you apply air pressure to the cylinder. You will need to pull them up by hand, then they will stay in place once seated. Not a big deal for Step 2, but for Step 3, there will be springs in the way making it hard to reach the valve stem to pull it up. Maybe a strong magnet?

2-3 minutes/cylinder sounds optimistic.

This will be a great tool if it pans out. Are you actually planning to patent it? Just wondering.

[cbatters]

Originally Posted by OthercarisaFiat

I think you will have a lot of trouble with Plan B, Step 3. The valves will not necessarily pop up when you apply air pressure to the cylinder. You will need to pull them up by hand, then they will stay in place once seated. Not a big deal for Step 2, but for Step 3, there will be springs in the way making it hard to reach the valve stem to pull it up. Maybe a strong magnet?

2-3 minutes/cylinder sounds optimistic.

This will be a great tool if it pans out. Are you actually planning to patent it? Just wondering.

I agree that it is complicated... which is why it is still my plan B. (I tied a string to the little o ring I was using as a clip and by threading it through the spring, I was able to use the string to pull the valve up before pressurizing.) Was actually very fast, just a bit complicated and there is the risk of dropping a balve if you forget a step.

I am still bending/filing the tool to remove/install the VSS with the spring in place. If this works it is obviously much simpler/safer.

PATENT
The tool is specialized enough that it may be possible to get a patent. (I already have a couple patents to my name but they are in network software methodology.) I was waiting to finish the prototype before searching the patent database to find that there are already 457 exising patents for valve stem replacement tools!!

We shall see..


Clint

[cbatters]

Update:

Came up with a crude tool to remove the VSS with the spring still on the valve guide and valve stem fully extended.

Removing the VSS through the spring is pretty easy, but installing the new VSS is a PITA. I need to come up with some kind of bushing that slides over the valve stem that can be depressed through the spring to press the VSS into place.

Home stretch...


Clint

[skunkworks]

This may be coming up faster than I thought. Just ordered 3rd gen lifters and have access to a heated garage. Clint, Where did you end up buying your valve stem seals?

sam

[cbatters]

Originally Posted by skunkworks

This may be coming up faster than I thought. Just ordered 3rd gen lifters and have access to a heated garage. Clint, Where did you end up buying your valve stem seals?

sam

I went with Felpro for ~$38.00 from AutoZone. (2 x SS72805)

I went with Felpro not based on lower price but based on their reputation and the possibility that they incorporated newer material/design in their seals. (I believe the Mitsu seals are very likely the same as the original design.)

Removing rocker arms is now the biggest PITA to doing VSS - need to take a look at the Mitsu tool for removing the rocker arms (Current design of my compressor tool cannot be used until after the rocker arm has been removed.)



Clint