How to Use a Valve Spring Compressor

Replacing or servicing a valve spring requires a tool called a valve spring compressor, which is specially designed for spring compression. A valve spring must be removed with a proper step-by-step procedure because it is under extreme pressure when it is installed. Therefore, it is very dangerous to conduct an improper removal. It is not possible to fix a valve spring without a spring compressor. The steps to use a valve spring are given below.

Things You'll Need

• Valve Spring Compressor

Step 1: Placing the Cylinder Head

If you want to remove the valve spring from an assembled cylinder head using valve spring compressor, place the cylinder head on its side.

Step 2: Compressing the Spring

Place the U-shaped portion of the spring compressor on a valve spring retainer and screw it on the head of the cylinder to compress the spring.

Step 3: Removing the Retainers, Keepers and Valve

Remove the valve retainers and keepers while the spring is compressed. Next, remove the valve while slowly releasing the compressor.

Step 4: Installing the Valve Spring

To install the valve spring, keep the spring on top of the valve stem using a valve spring compressor.

Step 5: Installing the Valve Retainers and Keepers

Fix the valve retainer over the spring. Follow the procedure for the removal of the spring using the compressor, as mentioned earlier, but compress the spring down to the valve stem and fix valve keepers on both the sides of the valve.

Step 6: Removing the Spring Compressor

Remove the spring compressor after securing the valve keepers in place.