valve spring compressor

[mmrabit]

I bought a valve spring compressor at HF, the kind you can use with the heads on the motor (seemed like the only kind they had), but it doesn't seem to work. The hooks slip off the springs, like they are not engaging far enough.
I have C-Clamp that maybe would work?
Put an open end wrench on the valve spring end so you can get the keepers out and the other side on the head of the valve, does that sound feasible? Or would I risk messing up my valves or head? The heads are off the bike for head gasket replacement along with cam and valve stem seals.
Seemed so simple....
Once again any advice is appreciated
Mike

[ericheath]

A lot of us use a c-clamp but cut a notch in the pad. The adjustable wrench idea might work. My guess is it would have to fairly thick.

[Steve81GL1100]

You can rent one from your local CarQuest or Advance Auto Parts. Or Auto Zone, whatever you have locally. It's an automotive C-clamp style. I used it with great success on my 81. The usual arrangement is, you buy the tool but get all your money back when you bring it back.
Steve

[odyssey]

I used a C-clamp. Not easy but doable.

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[robin1731]

I used a C-clamp. Not easy but doable.


20171008_144723.jpg

But he is doing it with the head off. The easiest way is the c-clamp style compressor. As stated earlier you can rent/buy them at nearly any auto parts store.

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[Wangthang]

Every engine build shop I ever worked it was socket, and hammer. Worked for some really good people, Jim Headrick, Rossville, Ga. Was pretty slick.

[CYBORG]

I uses socket and hammer to remove.....but a spring compressor is needed to install

[tlbranth]

I bought 2 HF spring compressors and swapped arms to get 2 with equal length. I don't remember having too much trouble getting them to work. Anyhow, I have 2 of the things - one with long arms one with short. I'll part with one if someone has a need.

[Andersd]

Since I don’t have a valve compressor I made one up from a steel pipe and a C-clamp. Cut to about five cm and then a hole on the side to get the locking parts in and out. Ten minutes with the grinder.

//A

[odyssey]

Nice! I wonder if PVC would work.

[JSBail]

Since I don’t have a valve compressor I made one up from a steel pipe and a C-clamp. Cut to about five cm and then a hole on the side to get the locking parts in and out. Ten minutes with the grinder.

//A

I actually do have a couple of valve spring compressors including a large automotive c-clamp style one but neither would work on the valve springs on a cb550 I once had because the springs are more recessed into the head on a 550/500 than they are on a 750 or GL so I came up with short piece of steel pipe and slotted it like yours and used it with a regular c-clamp.

[mmrabit]

I ended up using my C clamp & a short piece of PVC pipe with a slot cut in it, worked great!
Never did get the HF valve spring compressor to work to my satisfaction.
Thanks again for the advice.
Mike