How do you use the Auto Zone valve spring compressor?
How do you use the Auto Zone valve spring compressor? I borrowed a valve spring compressor from Auto Zone and have no idea how to use it. Any advice from anyone? It looks like this
The heads are off the car so clearance is not an issue.
The heads are off the car so clearance is not an issue.
Well, the one you have there is normally used while the heads are on the car, however you can still use it as the heads sit now. Your best bet is to get the valve spring compressor that looks like a huge freakin C clamp. I'd put a picture up here for you but I don't know how. Go to google and type in valve spring compressor and it has a ton of images on it. That's about all I can tell you. Since the heads are off, I'd use the one that they are showing. Makes for a much easier and faster spring job. But to answer your question, just set it down on the spring,you want the outer jaws further down the length of the spring, I normally give it a little sqeeze then, and then just turn your handle until you can take a magnet to the retainers. Off she comes. Reverse order to put on the new ones.
Last edited by Infantrymarine; Aug 31, 2010 at 07:26 PM.
I have something that looks similar to that but I really dont think it will work on LS heads. Like the other guy said, get the big C-clamp tool they sell these at Sears or this is what I used & it works with the heads on the car too. https://ls1tech.com/forums/tools-fab...available.html
I will say this and I HOPE you take notice the std. valve spring compressors BE VERY carful while clamping dn. the retainer will want to ride against the valve as you compress it.. if you have never used one this is where you put gouges and burrs on the valve these will eat the ___ out of the valve seal and guides
SO just take note im saying this to help you from problems I never see this caution mentioned and I watch seasoned people mess this up
SO just take note im saying this to help you from problems I never see this caution mentioned and I watch seasoned people mess this up
I really suggest saving yourself the headaches of using this specific tool. Its a total pos! I used the ame one on my lt1 heads and the threads stripped on 2 of them. Get the one mentioned above its a great tool
yeah that tool i scary. my buddy tried to use it on my springs and shot springs everywhere. i ended buying a different style that worked great.
but heres how it goes if you can see.
but heres how it goes if you can see.
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Don't use it. Most aftermarket springs have surface treatments that don't like scratches. Take it back and get a proper tool for LS type heads. You want a tool that presses only on the spring retainer and doesn't touch the spring itself.
