valve spring tool impossible to use

[ajpm26]

So I bought this tool because I found a few threads with people suggesting it and youtube videos made it seem easy. Using it to take the valve keepers off is easy but for 5 hours I've been trying to put them back on and I only got to 3 of the valves going on successfully. I'm putting the evo 8/9 beehive springs and retainers on btw.

Who's had this tool and had success with install? Any tips? A few videos showed using a hammer but I don't want to damage anything, but putting all my body weight for so many times to only get 3 on for all these hours really wore me out.

 

[BrokenTsi]

Why would a hammer damage anything? Thats the way you're supposed to use it. Just don't go hitting it like you're Thor.

 

[RvlutionMtrsprt]

I have used that tool for years now. Takes me no time at all to do heads. I even had a race with another shop owner, he used his style that bolts to the cam journals. I move about 4x as fast as he does. I use a 3lb rubber mallet. It takes me about 2-3 attempts to gauge how much force I need for a given set of springs then I rarely have to try more than once to install the keepers. On weaker springs I can even use my body weight/strength to just push on the tool instead of using the mallet.

I set the spring over the valve, then the retainer. I install the keepers and preset them so that they're as level to each other as possible. A small tap, then BAM. I also have a rag folded up under the valves. This same tool even works when I do really heavy springs and dual springs. One thing that's key is making sure the tool stays in line with the valve stem as you're hitting it. If your angle is off you'll have a really hard time. Presetting the keepers in the proper place and keeping the tool on the right plane is key. Good luck.

 

[jimbob_843]

All i used was a big carpenters clamp. Not a c clamp but a hand pumped one. Anyway i used that and a cut deepwall socket. Entire process took less than 3 hours. Sucks you havent any luck with the tool.

 

[knochgoon24]

I built a compressor using a large c-clamp to put them back on. It worked well for taking them off.

 

[Dhan]

Probably doesn't help now, but this is what I bought for $40 shipped.

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Great investment, it works great.

 

[68442]

The large c clamp works good for me with the head off. Last time I did this I wanted to keep the head on so I got that tool you have, the large bolt on compressor and the euro tool. Euro tool worked very good. I don't know what I was doing wrong but I couldn't get the one your using to work right either. Sold the rest, kept this one.

Mitsubishi 4G63 Valve Spring Compressor

 

[smokem]

One thing i learned when using that tool is to use a little oil on the valve stems and keepers to help them to fall into place. Made a big difference for me.

 

[ajpm26]

Oil was used, but I'll try using a rubber mallet to it.

 

[97gst_spyder]

Probably doesn't help now, but this is what I bought for $40 shipped.

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Great investment, it works great.

Where did you get it??

 

[knochgoon24]

I used assembly lube to help hold the keepers in place. Not sure if it works any better than oil.

 

[laserspeeddemon]

The magic of google.

OTC Tools & Equipment (SPX) 4572 Large Valve Spring Compressor
Advanced Auto Parts

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/we...ompressor-OTC_28030152-P_N3491_T|GRP2083_____

 

[BrokenTsi]

The magic of google.

OTC Tools & Equipment (SPX) 4572 Large Valve Spring Compressor
Advanced Auto Parts

Buy OTC Large Valve Spring Compressor OTC4572 at Advance Auto Parts

That's great and all....if the head is off the car. Im pretty sure the OP is just swapping out his springs for the evo ones while the head is still on.

 

[ajpm26]

That's great and all....if the head is off the car. Im pretty sure the OP is just swapping out his springs for the evo ones while the head is still on.

Nope, doing a whole rebuild, and smacking it with a rubbet mallet and it still doesnt do anything, I tried using my assembly lube instead of oil, I don't get it, I know others have had success with it, I just don't know what I'm doing wrong.

Edit: finally starting to get it, using my heavier set buddy to push on it with his weight, I guess little ol' me can't put enough pressure to compress the spring XD

 

[BrokenTsi]

Alright, well nevermind then, .

Usually that tool is used while the head is still on....

 

[phunny]

Unless your father is the "hulk" and mama is "wonderwomen" you'd better get Mr. Hammer

 

[romeen]

I know this has been resolved but want to add one more thing. I was using compressed air at about 90psi to keep the valves up and was having limited success. I cranked up the regulator to about 130psi and started getting them every time.

For me, using the mallet works good when I'm removing the valve locks but I have more success using my body weight when installing them. Maybe because I keep everything better aligned.

I set the spring over the valve, then the retainer. I install the keepers and preset them so that they're as level to each other as possible. A small tap, then BAM. I also have a rag folded up under the valves. This same tool even works when I do really heavy springs and dual springs. One thing that's key is making sure the tool stays in line with the valve stem as you're hitting it. If your angle is off you'll have a really hard time. Presetting the keepers in the proper place and keeping the tool on the right plane is key. Good luck.

Completely agree.