[leejoy]

I'm assembling my BBC heads and just tried to compress the new valve springs with my "overhead" type valve spring compressor tool. Having a problem. This tool works well for "single" spring type valve springs, however my new springs are "dual" type springs. The tool I have does not grab both the inner and outer spring - only the outer. So the inner spring is not being compressed.

There are like 4 or 5 types of valve spring compressor tools out there. which is best for my application? I will problaby have to buy one because the auto part stores don't rent any other type - except the type I have which is shown below.

what type of valve spring compressor tool will work well for my BBC heads with "dual" valve springs?

[F-BIRD'88]

You're going to loose an eye and a few fingers using that thing. Get a real spring compressor.
Or take them to a machine shop all cleaned up and ready for final assembly and they can throw them together for you in a few minutes.

[scholman]

leejoy,

Your compressor will work, just put the retainer on and compress away.
It will take a long time for you because of this tool.
The reason is this tool was made because Chevy engines burn up valve guide seals. So what people do is compress one spring at a time on the engine and install new seals without taking the engine all apart.
Racers use this compressor to change out a broken valve spring at the track. And I think other people use this type compressor to remove break-in springs and then install the heavier pressure springs. This way they do not wipe out their new camshaft when they first start up a newly built engine.

Scholman

[Jmark]

But,,,,but,,,but....If you have a really stiff inner spring, how do you get the keepers out if the inner spring is still pushing hard on the retainer?

[engineczar]

If you do enough engines you'll end up with like 4-5 different ones. I haven't found one compressor that will do them all.

I picked up one of these a couple of years ago and it works well for most V8 heads with big springs.

http://competitionproducts.com/prodi...p?number=66832

[redsdad]

The "C" style is best and the one engineczar shows is very nice. However, if the heads are on the engine, the one you have will work. You just have to fuss with it. Check out Moroso 62370. You can pick one up for about $82. Much quicker and safer than what you have now.

[1969NovaSS]

I just picked up a craftsman compressor because I had one like yours that didnt work too well. The craftsman one is the c-clamp style and it was on sale for $20

[Double_v23]

I have tried all kinds of compressors from the lever that bolts on the stud, to the C-clamp type and some others as well,

for the money you can't beat the moroso one listed above, and proform makes one for half the price. They compress easily, and lock the spring in the compressed position so you can use your hands for other things (like installing the locks)

I do a lot of heads and the proform one has worked well on everything with a 3/8-24 stud, which is mostly small block stuff.

[engineczar]

His heads aren't on the car. I have the Moroso one as well which as stated does a good job IF the heads are already on the engine. They move around too much when there isn't anything holding them.

[NEW INTERIORS]

I made one out of a piece of flat bar.It works great.It is good to use after a cam break in.when you break in with one spring,And have to go back and add the other spring,This tool was made for a big block Chevy.

[Double_v23]

90% of the time the heads are off the motor and I still use the moroso tool, for anything up to 450 compressed it works great and if the head is moving to much I C-Clamp it down on a rubber pad, or I just hold it with my free hand.

That tool makes compressing so easy that you can do it with one hand and hold the head in place with the other.