cc: valve spring install tips?

[180fan]

Nistech or Chris, I'm doing some more work on the head but when I went back to get the valve springs compressed and into place, they're some pretty tough cookies to get locked into place on the SR. I've got the ( and ) shaped pieces that lock down onto the stem of the valves and those lock down onto the valve retainer but I don't have the valve spring compressor listed in the FSM (long arm with a pipe like section with a large cut out to get the locks in place) but rather the one that looks like a pulley puller with a U at the part that contacts the valve spring. However, parts of the head are keeping me from getting enough compression on the spring. Any tips on this guys?

[NISTECH]

I dont man, We have the factory tool for it and thats all I have ever used. sorry guy. maybe a large C clamp slightly modified???

[s13sr20chris]

the puller type wont work. thats mostly for pushrod motors. you may be able to use the c-clamp type of spring compressor(like sears sells) but you will prob need the fancy one. good news, it is available from snap-on, mac, etc. most machine shops should have one too. the same tool will do springs on many other heads(even non-nissan) including shim and bucket types.

[180fan]

hee hee hee used the o2 sensor tool to get the bugger's in. I pushed the socket, buddy pushed the locks in. lol savage but works.

[s13sr20chris]

good, glad it worked out for you.

[Slipstream]

When you said O2 tool, you're talking about the socket with the cut-out?

[180fan]

Yep. That was a while ago with just a single valve spring that popped loose. I do NOT recommend doing it that way. It's alot of hassle and from a guy who did it, don't. Get the tool. It'll keep you from playing Hawthorne heights in your garage with a box of razor blades nearby when you want to end yourself from going uber emo. No joke.