Valve spring compressor-

[nitrofarm]

Whats everyones fav valve spring compressor? And can they be used on the B3 AND BP. Also for the valve stem seals what do guys like to use? Thanks for the input !

[zoom zoom]

I don't know about the b3, but the BP requires a special tool.... I had to rent a $70 compressor from advance that wraps around the whole head then cut the side of a spark plug socket to get it apart. I wrapped the socket with some layers of black tape to keep from scratching the lifter bores.

Id say the b3 would be easy to get apart...

I believe I got felpro valve stem seals.

[Movin]

Same as zoom except I have a giant c clamp..and regular valve spring
compressors that stay on the peg board for a lot of these new cars.

[blkfordsedan]

Never messed with the BP, but I bought the $10 valve spring compressor from Harbor Freight to use on my SOHC B6. You got to have it positioned just perfect, but it does actually work to remove springs, even with the head still on the car. I also have a professional C-clamp style compressor, but I can't seem to find it.

[nitrofarm]

I don't know about the b3, but the BP requires a special tool.... I had to rent a $70 compressor from advance that wraps around the whole head then cut the side of a spark plug socket to get it apart. I wrapped the socket with some layers of black tape to keep from scratching the lifter bores.

Id say the b3 would be easy to get apart...

I believe I got felpro valve stem seals.

So your saying you had to cut a portion off a deep well 13/16" socket? Was this so you could get a wrench throught this slot?

[nitrofarm]

Never messed with the BP, but I bought the $10 valve spring compressor from Harbor Freight to use on my SOHC B6. You got to have it positioned just perfect, but it does actually work to remove springs, even with the head still on the car. I also have a professional C-clamp style compressor, but I can't seem to find it.

Thanks,so for the B3, I can use the cheapo from Harbor Freight.

[jjk1224]

I just rented one form autozone to change the valve seals on my b3. It worked great but plan on removing your intake manifold or at least TB to get to 3 of the 4 valves on the intake side. 100% free

[iceracerdude]

A DOHC head is way different than an SOHC head, this is what I use, the little cylindrical shape is just a section of conduit coupler without the set screws in it. You can pick up the coupler at a Menards or Lowes for like 0.50

[zoom zoom]

That's the same compressor I used, and yes, I cut a deep well socket.. I would have done it iceracerdudes way BUT I didn't.

I cut it so I could remove the keepers when they popped out, with a magnet. The black tape served two purposes keeping keepers from flying across the room


There's also a trick which wasn't told to me beforehand for getting the keepers loose before you compress the springs, I didn't do it so I don't know it, maybe someone will be nice and prewarn you... I did some barbaric stuff with a hammer after half compressing the springs to get them to pop loose, it was scary...

[iceracerdude]

The end that goes on the spring side of the head has a split foot. In fact if you look at the second picture closer, you can see a secondary larger spare set of split feet hanging off a hair pin.
Anyway, I just place the coupler in the center of the split foot first, then onto the top of the valve retainer.
Do the compression, and then just reach down through the split foot and into the coupler for the keepers. The beauty of my system is, if I manage to fumble one, or even both of the keepers, it stays within the coupler!
Man, I coulda been an Engineer if my folks woulda just applied themselves better in school, you know, and got better jobs!

[zoom zoom]

Yea I blame my parentals too..its all their faUlt I kant do nuthin rite.

[nitrofarm]

The end that goes on the spring side of the head has a split foot. In fact if you look at the second picture closer, you can see a secondary larger spare set of split feet hanging off a hair pin.
Anyway, I just place the coupler in the center of the split foot first, then onto the top of the valve retainer.
Do the compression, and then just reach down through the split foot and into the coupler for the keepers. The beauty of my system is, if I manage to fumble one, or even both of the keepers, it stays within the coupler!
Man, I coulda been an Engineer if my folks woulda just applied themselves better in school, you know, and got better jobs!

Ok Gottcha,so you can use like a pencil magnet and pull the keepers out from the piece of conduit coupler.

[iceracerdude]

Zackly!