Started stripping my engine today, and have got a bit stuck with the valve springs. I can't see how they are held in, and can't find much in my manuals. I'm probably being really thick, but any advice would be much appreciated. Do I need any special tools?
You need a valve spring compressor of some description. These squeeze down the circular retainer at the top of the valve spring, compressing the spring. Once you're down enough, you fish out the two small collets at the end of the valve stem, then release the compressor. The spring and retainer will come away, the valve just slides out of the head. Not sure if "traditional" compressors are any good. I've got a copy of the bench-mounted VW tool, and it whips them out in no time.
Would this do it? http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductMobileDisplay?catalogId=10151&storeId=10001&productId=216847&categoryId=255216&langId=-1
One of these will do the job fine http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-5-in-1-10PCs-Valve-Spring-Compressor-Tool-Kit-Set-For-Cars-Motorcycles-Bikes-/120910732712?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item1c26d75da8&_uhb=1 If it was your trade you would buy something better. It has done a few for me and worked fine. Not the best but cheap and cheerful
No sorry. They all do a similar job just some can be used on more heads than others. You could take a head to your local motor factors tomorrow and they will supply one. It just depends on the amount you want to spend with the amount it will be used.
