Thread: How do I? Valve Spring Compressor

i rented a valve spring compressor tool from advanced auto parts because i wanted to take the 105# springs out of my old heads and put them in the heads of the used engine i just bought from the junkyard. i did not want to remove the heads because i did not want to have to replace the head gasket and bolts. here is what i got, pics below.


This is the the engine that had the 105# springs, both heads have been removed.


these are the used heads that are on the engine still.




now, here is what i rented at the store.




what do i do?

Place the box picture down.

slide back the two red clips.

open box.

read and follow instructions that should now be facing you.

This will get them off.

But you wont be able to get them on without the other style spring compressor.

And you'll need to either use compressed air or the string trick to hold the valves up.

ok, are you also saying these will remove the springs on the used heads mounted to engine also? just cannot install withought the other tool? does advance auto allow rental of the other style?

The one you have is for heads that are off of the motor.

Call advance and ask them if they have the valve spring compressor for use with heads still mounted on the motor.

ok so will this tool work?
OEM/T handle valve spring compressor (27040) | Valve Spring Compressor and Measure | AutoZone.com

and can i go return the one i have now?

advance auto said they carried this?
Buy Autocraft Valve Spring Compressor AC520/W84002 at Advance Auto Parts

does this work?

Originally Posted by Hixc

ok so will this tool work?
OEM/T handle valve spring compressor (27040) | Valve Spring Compressor and Measure | AutoZone.com

and can i go return the one i have now?

advance auto said they carried this?
Buy Autocraft Valve Spring Compressor AC520/W84002 at Advance Auto Parts

does this work?

Neither of those are going to be very easy to use. The c-clamp style one that locks is easy to use, but as stated, the heads need to be off the car for that tool.

However, either one should work. I think I would try the lever-style one first.

You can also sometimes get the retainer locks out by placing a socket on the retainer and smacking it with a hammer. It compresses the spring and sometimes the locks will fall out. However, they also might not fall out, making it potentially tricky.

Hmm, i have never done this before, does anyone know if there is a topic already started for installation? how do i perform the rope trick?

i have a air compressor, but doubt it is stong enough. its a small one. I think maybee 3 gallon? its made by campbell and i bought from wally world

I went and rented the T handle tool from autozone. It worked, Barely. It was the most tedious task ever. but i was able to do it. the stockers came off no problem, but getting the 105# off the old heads? yea, the valve locks did not want to come out. i had to compress the spring, and then tap on the retainer with a hammer and flat head screwdriver while proping the head up in a way to keep the valve from moving. Thanks for all the help.

oh and i used the TDC method, with no rope. seem to be ok. allthough the intake valves were the hardest to do :O

ok so will this Buy ProForm Stud Mount Valve Spring Compressor for 3/8" & 7/16" Rocker Studs 66784 at Advance Auto Parts work to remove valve springs???

no, we dont have stud style rockers.

thank you very much

The tool you rented is for when the heads are off the motor. You want an overhead valve spring compressor. This looks like the same one that I have, only I either got mine at sears or at an auto parts store, I can't remember.

New Universal Overhead Valve Spring Compressor Kit on eBay!