Tim's Valve Spring Tool Now Available
09-10-2005, 10:07 AM
#61
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Originally Posted by Bluehawk27
gto69judge was the originator of the tool, so yeah
He better put a copyright or a patent on it then. Because I know others who have fabricated this tool a few years back also.
Oh yeah I'd like to introduce myself to the board. hehe
1995 blown up Z-28
heads/cam/nitrous 
10-05-2005, 03:37 PM
#63
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Shipping to Canada Just to let anyone in Canada know that I will ship to you, and it will cost you an extra $ 5 dollars for a total of $ 35 shipped to your door. The only thing I ask is that the money is sent via PayPal. Thanks
Tim
Tim
10-13-2005, 05:24 PM
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I highly reccomend this tool. I made my own, and went through 6 studs, because they were not high enough quality. Grade 8 studs too. They bent and threads wore off. 
If I had it to do over I would buy this one.
If I had it to do over I would buy this one.
10-17-2005, 07:18 PM
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Hi tbick,
To be honest with you I have never worked on a 3.4 V6 so I am not sure exactly how to answer your question. If I had to guess I am thinking that the LT1 valve spring tool that I am about to release in the next week would work but I am again not 100% sure. I would hate to go thru and sell you a tool that will not work. If you have the ability to send me a picture of the valve train I would be able to tell you right away so if you can find a pic send it to me and we can go from there. Sorry I am not able to tell you yes or no but let see if we can find out.
To be honest with you I have never worked on a 3.4 V6 so I am not sure exactly how to answer your question. If I had to guess I am thinking that the LT1 valve spring tool that I am about to release in the next week would work but I am again not 100% sure. I would hate to go thru and sell you a tool that will not work. If you have the ability to send me a picture of the valve train I would be able to tell you right away so if you can find a pic send it to me and we can go from there. Sorry I am not able to tell you yes or no but let see if we can find out.
10-17-2005, 11:02 PM
#69
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thanks for the response, ill see what i can do about some pictures. $30 is a good price, i wouldnt be that dissapointed if it didnt work, i just dont want to buy a $100 compressor and for it not to work.
10-25-2005, 02:28 PM
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Spring Compressor Caution When using ANY valve spring compressor, a couple of rules must be observed.
As you compress any spring, the space between the coils reduces. When the coils start to touch each other, the spring can no longer be compressed and acts like a solid steel spacer. This is referred to as coil bind or stack height.
If you continue attempting to further compress the spring, something else has to give since the spring can no longer compress. I will list the events that will occur from least damaging to most severe if you attempt to compress springs beyond coil bind. (1) The tool will bend, preventing any damage to your engines parts. (2) The nut or stud will strip, still preventing damage to your engines parts. Now imagine what would happen if we used a bulletproof super strong tool, nut, and stud. (3) The only thing left to give would be the threaded rocker pedestal on the head which you never want to see damaged.
Tim's Tool is designed with these factors considered. The thickness and characteristics of the tool's body as well as the tensile strength and hardness of the stud and nut were considered in it's design. No problems have been encountered with Tim's Tool when properly used on hundreds of spring swaps with all types of springs including triple springs on many different types of engines.
Spring Compressor Rules:
(1)Always lubricate all moving parts with a heavy weight oil or grease.
(2)Place a socket over the valve retainer of each spring and tap it with a hammer to loosen the keepers fron the valve retainer.
(3)Align the tool to apply even force on the spring retainer and make sure that the tool does not contact the keepers.
(4)Tighten the tool by hand only. DO NOT USE AN IMPACT WRENCH, AIR RACHET, OR POWER ASSISTING DEVICE.
(5)If any sudden increase in tightening torque is noticed, something must be binding. Look for the source of interference.
(6) NEVER tighten past the point of coil bind.
Several people have reported that they have used one of Tim's Tool for more than 20 spring swaps without a problem and it is still working perfectly.
As you compress any spring, the space between the coils reduces. When the coils start to touch each other, the spring can no longer be compressed and acts like a solid steel spacer. This is referred to as coil bind or stack height.
If you continue attempting to further compress the spring, something else has to give since the spring can no longer compress. I will list the events that will occur from least damaging to most severe if you attempt to compress springs beyond coil bind. (1) The tool will bend, preventing any damage to your engines parts. (2) The nut or stud will strip, still preventing damage to your engines parts. Now imagine what would happen if we used a bulletproof super strong tool, nut, and stud. (3) The only thing left to give would be the threaded rocker pedestal on the head which you never want to see damaged.
Tim's Tool is designed with these factors considered. The thickness and characteristics of the tool's body as well as the tensile strength and hardness of the stud and nut were considered in it's design. No problems have been encountered with Tim's Tool when properly used on hundreds of spring swaps with all types of springs including triple springs on many different types of engines.
Spring Compressor Rules:
(1)Always lubricate all moving parts with a heavy weight oil or grease.
(2)Place a socket over the valve retainer of each spring and tap it with a hammer to loosen the keepers fron the valve retainer.
(3)Align the tool to apply even force on the spring retainer and make sure that the tool does not contact the keepers.
(4)Tighten the tool by hand only. DO NOT USE AN IMPACT WRENCH, AIR RACHET, OR POWER ASSISTING DEVICE.
(5)If any sudden increase in tightening torque is noticed, something must be binding. Look for the source of interference.
(6) NEVER tighten past the point of coil bind.
Several people have reported that they have used one of Tim's Tool for more than 20 spring swaps without a problem and it is still working perfectly.
Last edited by gto69judge; 10-25-2005 at 02:33 PM.
10-26-2005, 08:52 AM
#76
Originally Posted by AdamSS
Well, I must say Tim's Tool is simply awesome ! 
I've started my cam swap yesterday, and today I just swapped my springs for new Patriot Golds.
Tim's tool worked like a charm. Spring compressed enough to lock the new keepers, and made the "spring/retainer" assembly centered around the valve stem very nicely. Oh - and I used the TDC method to keep the valves up.
Again, the best thing about Tim's tool, is that you have a lot of clearance, even under the cowl. I had no problem with the rear ones at all.
I highly recommend this tool.
Here's a couple pics from today:
I've started my cam swap yesterday, and today I just swapped my springs for new Patriot Golds.
Tim's tool worked like a charm. Spring compressed enough to lock the new keepers, and made the "spring/retainer" assembly centered around the valve stem very nicely. Oh - and I used the TDC method to keep the valves up.
Again, the best thing about Tim's tool, is that you have a lot of clearance, even under the cowl. I had no problem with the rear ones at all.
I highly recommend this tool.
Here's a couple pics from today:
Bill
