Valve Spring Compressor and other tools

[edd_barker]

Hi all,

About to start my first engine rebuild, I have most mechanics tools but I don't have a valve spring compressor. There's 101 kinds on fleaBay, can anyone recommend a style/design/brand?

Also if there are any other specialist tools I'll need for the strip-down/rebuild then a heads up would be great. I know I need a micrometer/vernier set for measuring bores etc. How much should an accurate set be?

Thanks,

Edd

[bmcecosse]

This - or something like it - is the type to get.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Draper-Valve- ... 20d15e7418
You should also have a torque wrench (although I managed just fine without one for many many years...) . Tool to measure bores is very specialised - best to just judge the wear with a finger nail - and if worrysome - take it to a rebore expert.

[MarkyB]

Your fingernail will do to measure the bore, if it will catch in the ridge it needs a rebore.

[edd_barker]

Great thanks for the info. Was intending to re-bore with new pistons anyway so I have an 'as-new' engine.

Already have a torque wrench, dad raced midgets in the 70s although his interest in getting covered in oil seems to have waned a little with age. Came in handy when I was stripping wheel studs like they grow on trees, didn't realise what a low torque they need.

So no need for micrometer or anything like that?

Many thanks

Edd

[mike.perry]

You will also need a piston ring compressor

[bmcecosse]

Dad MUST have had a valve spring compressor...... Micrometer - handy to have but not absolutely essential. Vernier caliper will do the trick if used carefully. Feeler gauges will be useful..... And an A/F socket set.....

[chesney]

I recently bought a valve sprang compressor recommended for A series engines, and it was too short for my 950 head although it seemed able to do the 1100 valves (just!).
I hunted round the workshop and found a lovely 'fully adjustable' compressor that works wonderfully, the same used by my Dad for his Mini(s) etc nearly 30 years ago..

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

An old Sykes Pickavant would be the valve spring compressor to go for, ideally not paying more than a fiver.

I have always used an old hand-operated pillar drill to good effect, with a small block of wood cut to fit in the combustion chambers so jamming the valves.

[johngrigg]

Interesting method, but how do you get at the collets ? Some sort of adaptor between the drill and the valve? Cheers JohnG

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

An old 3-inch wood screw with a largish head in the chuck pushes the valve spring down so I can get at the collets with a pair of pliers.

N.B. Edited to read 'pushes valve spring down'. I know what I mean!

[katy]

How does that work?
You say you use a block of wood to jam the valve, then you're pushing the stem down with the pillar drill.
You need to push the spring down, not the valve.

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

I will upload pictures. Well spotted, Katy - I meant to say spring.