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Joined: Jan 01, 2012 Posts: 16 Location: Camdenton, MO
Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 3:26 pm Post subject: Homemade DIY PVC valve spring compresser
Hello,
I got this tip from another VJMOG member, but I refined it 'some', and I thought I would share with everybody what I did.
After making a copy of his initial PVC pipe part, I had problems getting it to stay on while I tried to compress the springs, for my initial removal. It was VERY tough, unwieldly, took MANY tries, but eventually I overcame the home made tool's short-comings. I knew there would have to be significant improvement for reinstallation...which is where I am today.
First, let me say, his and my engines' are Honda 125cc singles. Therefore his 3/4" PVC pipe suggestions work for him and me. If you have some other, or especially bigger engine, you 'may' need to modify my suggestions even more.
So, here goes; The first piece of PVC pipe I cut was the long slotted piece. I didn't have the coupling parts glued on each end, and that's why it was so unwieldy( it was just a piece of notched 3/4" PVC, nothing else). My improvement was to cut and glue on a coupling and then grind down the lower part of the 3/4" coupling. Note that the 'long part' of the PVC pipe has a full ring of pipe for better bonding strength to glue into the coupling.
It was clear I needed to stabilize the top, too, so I took the 'cut off chunk' of the coupling, notched it so it would set up nice and securely against the clamp, and glued it inline with the long pipe slot.
It only took me a grand total of about 12 minutes to "cut, slot, notch and glue everything". In fact, it took me more time to find my jar of primer than it took to build it!
Note #1: With the added bulk of the coupling, the tool BARELY fits inside the tappet cover hole. You may need to slim it down a bit for your model engine.
Note #2: IF you have a bigger engine, and your spring retainer washer doesn't fit inside your tool, you may be able to glue a 1" PVC (or 1 1/4") around the bottom coupling. (In other words, you may need a coupling on you coupling) Use your imagination!!! The point is, you want 'shoulders' of your PVC tool to go around the outside of the spring assembly, so that it is stable for clamping...and not keep popping off like mine kept doing when I removed the keepers. Now, mine is super secure.
Note #3: For my little 125cc cylinder head, my wood clamp that I've had for years worked great!! Again, if your engine is bigger, and the clamp doesn't fit, be innovative. Put a larger flat piece of aluminum on the valve side, and drilll and bolt on some kind of extension on the springs side to extend the clamp's reach.
Hope this works for you like it has for me.
Always remember; Successful people NEVER make mistakes, they only make prototypes.
Dudley
PS. This is my first time trying to post photos, so if they don't get posted, I'll put them on Photobucket and provide a link.
Well, loading them didn't work, so here is the Photobucket link;
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