I bought a spring compressor for my valve springs and once you compress the spring, how do you get the keepers out?

I use an ice pick. Having a magnet around helps too.

How do you go about using it? It is acting like they are stuck pretty good to the retainer and valve. Any suggestions?

Try tapping the retainer with a hamer. This will break them free. Compress the spring and you can pull the keepers out with a magnet

The type of compressor I am using is a universal spring compressor. The prongs are under the spring and the other part is sitting on the retainer. It compresses the spring fine, but it isn't letting the valve locks loose.

[img]c:\compressor.jpg[/img]

[ December 09, 2002: Message edited by: stfinney ]</p>

[quote]Originally posted by stfinney:
<strong>The type of compressor I am using is a universal spring compressor. The prongs are under the spring and the other part is sitting on the retainer. It compresses the spring fine, but it isn't letting the valve locks loose.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Pop it with a deep well socket and hammer. Get a deep well socket that is nearly as big around as the retainer. Hold it with one hand and pop it with a hammer (dead blow if you have one) The keepers will jump right out. Put rags in any holes that they could fall into if they are still installed on the engine. Spray it with penetrating oil first if necessary.


How are you keeping the valve from opening?

[ December 09, 2002: Message edited by: Infomaniac ]</p>

The heads are off of the engine. Thanks for the hammer and socket idea. It worked pretty good! Thanks alot! I can still use the compressor to put my new springs and all in.