Author Topic: Valve spring compressor?  (Read 791 times)

Online Greybeard

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Valve spring compressor?
« on: 26.05. 2018 16:50 »
I'm going to buy a new Valve spring compressor. Do you have any advice about the type? Is this type suitable? I have a feeling that I had trouble with one like this that I'd borrowed.

How about this one? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Laser-Valve-Spring-Compressor/113018129485?hash=item1a5067cc4d:g:EU0AAOSwJslbCTyB
Greybeard (Neil)
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Offline bsa-bill

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Re: Valve spring compressor?
« Reply #1 on: 26.05. 2018 17:43 »
I have one like that, it does work ok although IIRC you sometimes have to just stop and think where it needs to be placed, would be interested to here others view (maybe I'm just thick)
All the best - Bill
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Online Greybeard

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Re: Valve spring compressor?
« Reply #2 on: 26.05. 2018 18:04 »
I think that when I used one like that for my BSA the bit that is supposed to compress the springs was stopped by the shape of the cylinder head casting.

Anyway, it appears I have been successful in bidding for this! £15 + £5 postage
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Online groily

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Re: Valve spring compressor?
« Reply #3 on: 26.05. 2018 18:34 »
What I've found with that basic model on several engines, including cars, is that the 'flat' end that sits on the top of the valve needs an extension making (or a socket or something inserting) between it and the top of the valve.
I made a 'fenestrated' tubular wotsit out of an old box spanner, bunged one end up with a brazed-in steel plug and bolted it onto the open slotted bit, so I could wind the tool well in without hitting bits of casting - and then get the collets out with a little magnet through the windows. Getting the little barstewards back in again was do-able, but a fiddle. 

If a compressor with a deeper head (or an adaptor) were available, it would be better I think. But needs must, and if the standard model gets things apart, the issue is postponed until you need to reassemble!
Bill

Offline RichardL

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Re: Valve spring compressor?
« Reply #4 on: 26.05. 2018 18:52 »

Anyway, it appears I have been successful in bidding for this! £15 + £5 postage

GB,

At the speed you're working, I hope you had it shipped overnight.

Richard L.

Online morris

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Re: Valve spring compressor?
« Reply #5 on: 26.05. 2018 19:20 »
Have one of those as in your first post. Have it for years and although it works perfectly on car valves I found it somewhat wobbly and unreliable on the BSA valves. Was constantly afraid that it might jump off. Also had to make a distant piece as I couldn’t get the jaws close enough.
I bought a second one as on the picture below which is much more steady. I think it’s because BSA valve springs are stiffer than car valves.
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Online Greybeard

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Re: Valve spring compressor?
« Reply #6 on: 26.05. 2018 19:28 »
I see that others have had the same problem with that flat blade jobbie type. The one I've bought should be OK though.
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Offline muskrat

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Re: Valve spring compressor?
« Reply #7 on: 26.05. 2018 22:10 »
G'day GB.
The one you bought should work better. Adjustment at both ends is preferable./
I made my own v/s compressor 40 years ago when an apprentice. Still use it every time on bikes and cars.
Cheers 
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Online Greybeard

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Re: Valve spring compressor?
« Reply #8 on: 27.05. 2018 10:19 »
G'day GB.
The one you bought should work better. Adjustment at both ends is preferable./
I made my own v/s compressor 40 years ago when an apprentice. Still use it every time on bikes and cars.
Cheers
How great that you are still using a tool that you made when you were an apprentice! I still have some simple things, (brass plumb weight. Pin bowl, simple combination lock) that I made in Metalwork at Secondary school!
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Offline CotswoldsA7

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Re: Valve spring compressor?
« Reply #9 on: 27.05. 2018 16:15 »
I know it's straying away from the theme,but I still have everything too that I made in the 1st year of my apprenticeship. ( 55 years ago )  Dividers,V blocks and clamps,tap wrenches etc. Where did the years go?
Hope the new compressor works well GB.

Online Rex

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Re: Valve spring compressor?
« Reply #10 on: 27.05. 2018 16:53 »
As Bill said, my identical type works well although I need to use a socket as a spacer on most bike engines. Also save the strain and give the valve a tap to break the cotter taper stiction before attempting to pull that lever.