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Dual springs install question

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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 08:57 AM
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Default Dual springs install question

I have tried searching.

The problem I'm having is the inner spring compress along with the outer spring. All of a sudden the inner spring decompresses and slides out of the outer spring about half an inch or so.

I spent ~8 hours getting 4 valve springs changed from stock to the duals. Has anyone used the overhead valve compressor type deal you get from the parts store on dual springs?

I called Patriot and was told that there is no way that the inner spring could slide out from the outer spring. They said he thinks that my compressor is having a problem compressing the springs rated to .650 lift. That's not the problem though. It's tough compressing the springs yes, but it compresses well past the tip of the valve to install the retainers when I can keep the inner spring inside the outer.

Any tips?

Also, is it possible to run a cam with a .595/.603 lift with just these outer springs? I have to have the car together in two days and would never get finished at this rate.

Thanks for any help, I'm stumped.
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 09:53 AM
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Maybe try using a different tool like the tims tool that is sold here.
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 10:13 AM
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Originally Posted by brad8266
Maybe try using a different tool like the tims tool that is sold here.
i used the tims tool and it did its job.
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 12:50 PM
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i had basically a similar problem, but the compress i was using is more of a single spring compressor so i just put a ziptie around it to help hold it on. Took me a while to get the new springs on too
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 12:57 PM
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Thanks for all the advice. I ordered another valve spring compressor. It should be here tomorrow. Thanks again!

Should the inner spring come out of the outer spring like that?
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 01:03 PM
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Yea, mine came out a couple of times. Just push it back in and you'll be ok. Lee
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 01:15 PM
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Used the crane tool and had no problems on my Patriots. I know it doesn't help your situation, but figured I'd throw it in there

-J
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 04:52 PM
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It is pricey, but I absolutely love the More Tool!
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 10:33 PM
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Tim's or Crane/Vinci(does two at a time) tools. The jaw or claw type compress the outer spring only. Was this the type you were using when your innner spring popped out? Crane is $100, but well worth it when you have 16 springs(32 in your case) to remove and then reinstall. I have the Tim's tool and it's a good tool(less expensive than Crane tool) if you only change springs once in a while. You have to remove and install the tool 32 times to do the whole engine using the Tim's tool. If you do a lot of spring changes the Crane tool is the way to go because it saves you so much time. You'll be surprised how much time it takes to change 16 springs one at a time.
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 10:38 PM
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Thanks very much. We bent the compressor from the parts store and managed to get a total of 7 installed today.

I went ahead and ordered the Crane tool. It's supposed to be here tomorrow.

Thanks to everyone who helped.
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 10:45 PM
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Did you ever consider tims tool sold on this forum? It was probably cheaper than the crane tool and has better fitment for the rear springs b/c of its flat design. I change my springs prc duals in about 45 min.
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Old Apr 1, 2008 | 06:35 AM
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I didn't think about it at the time. I thought the parts store one would work because I have never worked on valve springs before.

Considering price I would rather have bought the tool sold here but I needed it overnighted and it was quicker to order it from a bigger company than through PM's when he may not be online or on the forum.

I'm a state trooper and need to get back to the state I work in. This car HAS to be back together today.
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