Dohc head.. the head is off the motor... what the **** would i use for compressing the spring/retainers.. hold the valve... etc etc... i have a couple valve tools but they are all way too big due to the walls.

its a ls head btw, just seein if theres a special tool for hondas -.-

 

Go on ebay and order euroxsport or an hpt valve spring compressor I think there retail for 80 a kit and make sure you get the one specifically for your head. With that tool it only took me 30 min to replace all the valve spring and retainer.

 

lisle 36200. best $40 youll ever spend

 

http://www.toyotool.com/PURCHASE.htm

better spend 80 and get this will save you a lot of time takes less than a minute to pop them off and about 5 minutes to put them back on

 

Not best! The is no best! Yes that a very simple tool to use I was going to consider it, but I didn't like the idea of using a hammer to aid with the install and uninstall process plus you have to take the head off with that tool not a problem for people who have their head off already, but is a problem for the one who has that stock motor but just wanted to upgrade valve spring and retainer so they can run some oh say! type r cam without popping their head off so they have to buy a new head gasket, refill bleed coolant system, and what not, with the euroxport you can leave the head on and just use compress air to hold the valve in place, not saying the lisle is bad but it really a matter preference, what you have to do, or what you already did. I like to install my parts gently and carefully so I prefer the slow method.

 

ya but the op said the head is already off

 

Frost white can you for a second imagine whats kind of stress the valventrain goes through at 8000-8600rpm? If it breaks during installation that means u just saved yourself an engine

 

kevin ef7.. thats the only tool i can think of that would fit without hitting the walls. however.. with the head off, what holds the valves then when using that?

 

You put a soft cloth or a rag underneath the chamber to support the valve then put the tool on top of the retainer and hammer down the tool then it will compress the spring and the magnet will catch the keeper thus releasing the retainer from the valve.

 

I was referring that part as an plus option to other, my mistake for not clarifying that.

 

I know what kind of stress a valvetrain goes through but that not the case here, my post is only another option, not stating what op should go with what tool, both are effective and their own way the lisle tool is quick to get the job done but in my opinion I just don't like compressing my valve spring that way but to each their own, I prefer my slow method of using the euroxport to slowly compress the spring down, bad part about it is that it a bit time consuming but will get the job done.

 

ive been using the valve master tool for last 2 years
and almost every mechanic I know has it in his toolbox

 

You dont have to use a hammer with the lisle 36200 tool at all, alot of people do because its faster and works, but I personally use my hand to push only, sometimes takes 2 depressions because going slowly doesnt jolt the keepers off like the hammer does, either way works.

Third best part of the Lisle tool (aside from being stupid easy to use, and cheap, and working in the tight space) is that it is magnetic, as soon as the keepers dislodge, they get sucked to the walls of the tool, no chance at all of **** flying across the room

 

The EuroXPort is so easy. I have never regretted the decision to buy that tool.

However there are some other techniques. The hammer/socket technique works but you have to hit the spring quite hard to release the keepers. For installation you can use a bench clamp and zip ties to compress the springs prior to installation. Then you cut the zip ties and they will release.

That is the way to go if you can't spend the money. But if you can afford the proper tool, a EuroXport type tool makes it soooo easy. And the risk of losing a keeper is much lower than with other methods.

 

I use the euro export tool as well. Sold my lisle unit.'x but probably should have kept it for non-Honda applicAtions.

For stock or lower spring pressures you can get away with using a hammer or pushin down by hand but it won't be so easy on a spring with 90+ lbs of seat pressure. And not everybody is built like a gorilla. We created tools to work smarter and so I don't have to go on a weight gain program to put an engine together.

The only other tool I've seen work better is a custom fixture put together by an engine builder I've used. I could still be improved upon by using pneumatic power instead of leverage.