The Ford Barn

Ruth · 09-14-2022, 11:49 PM

While on a tour a freinds car started running rough. We found that he burned a valve.

What do you guys use or recommend for a valve spring compressor? Thee spring compressor I have doesn't seem to compress the spring far enough so we can get the keeper out. He has modern valves and retainers.

Does the type that the vendors work pretty good? https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/7...oppingcart.htm

Bruce of MN · 09-15-2022, 04:58 AM

I use a standard OHV type compressor. It looks like this one, but I got it 40+ years ago, so I don't remember the brand https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/SER3...essionRank=12V

This type has been recommended for flathead motors, I got a used one on ebay some time ago, but haven't used it https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/SER3...ressionRank=15

BTERRY29 · 09-15-2022, 07:26 AM

I used this yesterday. Easy peasy.

KCHEX 8" Valve Spring Compressor Hand Tool Automotive Engine Compress/Release New https://a.co/iyRhHGt

nkaminar · 09-15-2022, 08:30 AM

The antique spring compressors sometimes have to be modified to fit.

katy · 09-15-2022, 09:46 AM

I like the original Ford style, something like this:
https://www.mikes-afordable.com/product/T6513T.html

BillCNC · 09-15-2022, 09:47 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

For my Hillbilly valve job, I went full Hillbilly and made one. If you have access to a welder and some scraps, have at it. Works like a champ.

Parts are zip tied together for storage.

Regards
Bill

PC/SR · 09-15-2022, 10:29 AM

Concur the OHV type works well on the modern valves and springs. Shop around. You should be able to get on cheaper than shown in the post.

amclass · 09-15-2022, 02:33 PM

Or go cheap for under $11 ...

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...r+Hinge+Spring

Advance Auto Parts: Door Hinge Spring Tool, #38384

You're welcome ...

burner31 · 09-15-2022, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katy

I like the original Ford style, something like this:
https://www.mikes-afordable.com/product/T6513T.html

Same as I use, and it fits in the tool box

alexiskai · 09-15-2022, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burner31

Same as I use, and it fits in the tool box

Biggest problem with that one is that you really need a buddy to hold the spring up while you place the keepers. I know you can use grease to make the keepers stick, but I've never been able to do it with one hand while yanking on a lever with the other.

Bruce of MN · 09-15-2022, 04:27 PM

Well done!

Quote:

Originally Posted by amclass

Or go cheap for under $11 ...

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...r+Hinge+Spring

Advance Auto Parts: Door Hinge Spring Tool, #38384

You're welcome ...

old31 · 09-15-2022, 04:31 PM

So, i am going to guess that the best tool is the one that bterry showed on #3. Anyone see a problem with that one.

I am interested because i need to use one.

I picked these compressors up at local flea markets. The small one is labeled Sunnen and it says for Model A Ford.

How do these look to you expert valve guys.

amclass · 09-15-2022, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce of MN

Well done!

And it fits perfect in my travel toolbox in case I need to do a valve job at some remote beach here in Florida ...

Yeah ... you can call me cheap, but honestly, how many times in life do I really need a spring compressor ?

BTERRY29 · 09-15-2022, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old31

So, i am going to guess that the best tool is the one that bterry showed on #3. Anyone see a problem with that one.

I am interested because i need to use one.

I picked these compressors up at local flea markets. The small one is labeled Sunnen and it says for Model A Ford.

How do these look to you expert valve guys.

for me its was super easy. 1 person job, keepers and all.

Ivan in southeast va. · 09-15-2022, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexiskai

Biggest problem with that one is that you really need a buddy to hold the spring up while you place the keepers. I know you can use grease to make the keepers stick, but I've never been able to do it with one hand while yanking on a lever with the other.

Trust me, grease is the word!

Ruth · 09-15-2022, 07:38 PM

Thanks guys. I ordered one of each. I may never need them again so i will donate to our club's tool crib so other members can use them.

Another question, his engine has double lock lifters. Does anyone know what size the adjusters are and where to get the wrenches. They are really thin.

Ayers1 · 09-15-2022, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amclass

Or go cheap for under $11 ...

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...r+Hinge+Spring

Advance Auto Parts: Door Hinge Spring Tool, #38384

You're welcome ...

This one works like a charm for me..

David R. · 09-15-2022, 08:16 PM

I have one I bought in 70’s when I was doing flat head Willys Jeep engine. Works great on model A. Looks like half of a little scissor jack. One fork slides under keeper and one in between first coils of spring, then tighten a little hand wheel on end.

PC/SR · 09-15-2022, 10:58 PM

Ruth--AS I recall the double lock lifter are 7/16 but not so sure I would buy before a measurement. The thin wrenches are found by luck. They are cheaply made and only turn up occasionally. Easiest is to grind down an ordinary wrench.

Ruth · 09-16-2022, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PC/SR

Ruth--AS I recall the double lock lifter are 7/16 but not so sure I would buy before a measurement. The thin wrenches are found by luck. They are cheaply made and only turn up occasionally. Easiest is to grind down an ordinary wrench.

Thanks, That is probably what I will do.

09-14-2022, 11:49 PM	#1
Ruth Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Glide, Oregon Posts: 1,339	Valve Spring Compressor While on a tour a freinds car started running rough. We found that he burned a valve. What do you guys use or recommend for a valve spring compressor? Thee spring compressor I have doesn't seem to compress the spring far enough so we can get the keeper out. He has modern valves and retainers. Does the type that the vendors work pretty good? https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/7...oppingcart.htm __________________ Ruth "Sometimes you really DO need to read the whole thread"

09-15-2022, 04:58 AM	#2
Bruce of MN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: VA Posts: 1,410	Re: Valve Spring Compressor I use a standard OHV type compressor. It looks like this one, but I got it 40+ years ago, so I don't remember the brand https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/SER3...essionRank=12V This type has been recommended for flathead motors, I got a used one on ebay some time ago, but haven't used it https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/SER3...ressionRank=15

09-15-2022, 08:30 AM	#4
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,897	Re: Valve Spring Compressor The antique spring compressors sometimes have to be modified to fit. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

09-15-2022, 09:46 AM	#5
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,043	Re: Valve Spring Compressor I like the original Ford style, something like this: https://www.mikes-afordable.com/product/T6513T.html __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!

09-15-2022, 10:29 AM	#7
PC/SR Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santa Rosa, CA Posts: 1,279	Re: Valve Spring Compressor Concur the OHV type works well on the modern valves and springs. Shop around. You should be able to get on cheaper than shown in the post.

09-15-2022, 07:26 AM	#3
BTERRY29 Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 49	Re: Valve Spring Compressor I used this yesterday. Easy peasy. KCHEX 8" Valve Spring Compressor Hand Tool Automotive Engine Compress/Release New https://a.co/iyRhHGt

09-15-2022, 02:33 PM	#8
amclass Member Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 58	Re: Valve Spring Compressor Or go cheap for under $11 ... https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...r+Hinge+Spring Advance Auto Parts: Door Hinge Spring Tool, #38384 You're welcome ... Last edited by amclass; 09-15-2022 at 02:39 PM.

09-15-2022, 07:38 PM	#16
Ruth Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Glide, Oregon Posts: 1,339	Re: Valve Spring Compressor Thanks guys. I ordered one of each. I may never need them again so i will donate to our club's tool crib so other members can use them. Another question, his engine has double lock lifters. Does anyone know what size the adjusters are and where to get the wrenches. They are really thin. __________________ Ruth "Sometimes you really DO need to read the whole thread" Last edited by Ruth; 09-15-2022 at 07:47 PM.

09-15-2022, 08:16 PM	#18
David R. Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: West Virginia Posts: 430	Re: Valve Spring Compressor I have one I bought in 70’s when I was doing flat head Willys Jeep engine. Works great on model A. Looks like half of a little scissor jack. One fork slides under keeper and one in between first coils of spring, then tighten a little hand wheel on end.

09-15-2022, 10:58 PM	#19
PC/SR Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santa Rosa, CA Posts: 1,279	Re: Valve Spring Compressor Ruth--AS I recall the double lock lifter are 7/16 but not so sure I would buy before a measurement. The thin wrenches are found by luck. They are cheaply made and only turn up occasionally. Easiest is to grind down an ordinary wrench.