valve spring compressor

[92EcoDiesel Jetta]

I have a C clamp type valve spring compressor. Will it work on a hydro head? I am thinking of replacing the valve stem seals before putting the head back on. I'll try to get a pic of the spring compressor later.

[rallydiesel]

If it works on any vw 8v head it will work yours.

[92EcoDiesel Jetta]

Somebody gave me this years ago but I've never used it..  Hope it fits my head.

open


closed about 4"

[burn_your_money]

You have more range than that if you wind down the bottom part. You will need another tool to actually push down on the spring. That one is designed for this style head


The VW springs are almost flush with the valve cover surface.

[92EcoDiesel Jetta]

Looks like I need to make a socket with cut-outs to push on the valve springs and get the keepers out?

[rallydiesel]

Yes. I made mine out of some cheap metal plumbing pipe. Easier to grind out the slot than a hardened socket.

[Mark(The Miser)UK]

To be honest, I think that this valve tool will struggle to do the job.

The reason being it is not strong enough to 'break the seal'  ie unwedge the collets.

I suspect it takes 2 to 3 times the power needed to merely compress the springs [dual springs at that]

A modified woodworkers 'G' clamp is the way to go IMO.

[92EcoDiesel Jetta]

What mod does the woodworkers 'G' clamp need?  I have a woodworkers pipe clamp, much stronger than a G clamp. I'll try both.

[burn_your_money]

A shop press is my favourite, or a drill press.

[92EcoDiesel Jetta]

I'll be interesting to see if mine has dual or single springs.

......

I suspect it takes 2 to 3 times the power needed to merely compress the springs [dual springs at that]
.........................................

[92EcoDiesel Jetta]

Neither is available where I'm do the work.

A shop press is my favourite, or a drill press.

[Mark(The Miser)UK]

What mod does the woodworkers 'G' clamp need?  I have a woodworkers pipe clamp, much stronger than a G clamp. I'll try both.

I don't have a pic, because my dad made it 40 years ago and it's 20 miles away .
Weld to the fixed clamping face two parallel strips of metal say 1/8" thick by 1/2" wide by say 2" long,
Have the strips facing each other with tips about 1/2"apart.
This worked well, however, were it my tool, I'd find a ring, say a slice of M19+ socket to rest on the collet holder.
Weld this onto the two prongs. Don't make this more than say 1/4" high, else it may affect collet removal....
 The clamp will weld, but I would even build a little clamp on device.
I inherited most of my dad's skills, but alas, not his ability to settle for a purely functional tool that took minutes to make.


Another option is to make use of the block headbolt holes and fabricate a screw in lever ...

[dl_sledding]

Don't forget 2 things:

1. SAFETY!  Those springs are strong, and if things go badly parts will be flying at high velocities, and Moore's Law states that you will be the target of said parts...

2. You have to eventually put this all back together, so you need something that allows not only disassembly, but assembly as well... Like, you have to set the retainers into place and carefully release the spring tension back on to them, so a tool that does not allow for that is one-way use tool.  Which is fine, if someone else is rebuilding the head for you.

Just my $.02...

[Alcaid]

I use this, why invent the wheel all over when you can buy it ready made over the counter

[92EcoDiesel Jetta]

dl sledding, good point about safety when working with springs. I always wear goggles working with them. I know someone who lost an eye taking apart a power window motor w/o wearing goggles.

Here's  an inlet valve cleaned up. dual springs in my 92 Eco head. valve keeper removal tool and clamp.  I need to make the opening in the neck larger for more working room getting the keepers back on.