I see tons of posts about how to put in valve springs into b-series vtec heads, and it pretty much comes down to getting a Snap-On tool or making it yourself. Well most people don't have the money to buy the Snap-On one and don't have the 'skill' or 'tools' to build one. I just didn't want to spend the time to make a tool to install one valve spring on a b16 head I had lying around. So with about 2mn of thinking I came up with this idea.

Take your spring and put 2 zip ties through it, DONT go around the whole spring or you wont get it out. DO it just like pictured:


Then place it in your vise (hopefully you have one) or use something else to compress it:


Then compress it and tighten the zip ties:


Be careful, try to not use shitty zip ties and use whatever percaution you can, I havent had any break but I guess it could be possible with some crazy springs. This is what you should end up with:


Set the spring in the head like so:


Then place the retainer in and the keepers in, you can just use slight pressure to pop them on, VERY easy to do:


Then take a propane torch/lighter or even a razor/dykes to cut the zip ties. I used my propane torch, a QUICK flame on the zip ties while pulling on the remainder of the tie pulls them right out:


Then you have them out and your set:


So the whole process takes about 3mn for each valve...super easy...I think pretty much anyone can do it, just give it a shot

 

great tip man

 

Innovative ****.

 

cheaper than a valve spring compressor for the average joe that doesnt do it often. wear your safety glasses

 

very clever

 

expletive yeah

 

Awesome info.

 

Hopefuly LIP will put it in the sticky thread.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by HYBRID FREAK &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Innovative ****.</TD></TR></TABLE>

No doubt. Very innovative idea! Good deal on fans too

 

verry nice idea. I used zip ties on a H22 tensioner one time when I did't have the proper keeper.

 

Glad to hear you guys like it, I hope it helps! I could get more pics of the process if anyone needs more. Its pretty straightforward though, just use common sense and it works out pretty well!

 

my eye!!!!!!!! lol

Really man, that is great! thanks for sharing

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by onefstek &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">verry nice idea. I used zip ties on a H22 tensioner one time when I did't have the proper keeper. </TD></TR></TABLE>

done that.....kinda a bitch....

what are you using to hold the retainer up while you release the spring....and yes get some safety glasses and some extra keepers....lol

 

emory your my hero

 

VERY good write up! never thought about that!! thanks for the tip!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mgags7 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">what are you using to hold the retainer up while you release the spring....and yes get some safety glasses and some extra keepers....lol</TD></TR></TABLE>

Well I tried it several times to "perfect" it if you will. At first I compressed the spring as far as possbile, which left a lot of room and was less "controlable". Then I went to what is pictured above, compressed, but not "flattened". You then put it in the head and put the retainer and keepers in place and just barely give them a push down and they lock into place, then when your taking the zip ties out the pressure is already on the valve

 

great tip. i wish i woulda seen this before puttin mines in with no valve spring compressor

i used a combination of raw strength, and 2 ratchet ends to push down on the retainer and try to throw the clip in

 

That is fantastic, thanks for the pics and sharing!

 

lol awesome write up. looks scary as hell though

 

what do you personally do to remove the spring / retainers in the first place?
good idea, I guess one would need to know a good height to start at that would
not encourage the retainer to snap violently on the valve when released.

i.e. while on the car... interesting idea

 

To remove them you can just place a socket on the retainer and hit it with a hammer, they pop right out.

 

reminds me of using a impact gun and a garbage can to unload the spring from the shock

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 98vtec &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">reminds me of using a impact gun and a garbage can to unload the spring from the shock </TD></TR></TABLE>

Oh ****! you did that too! lmao!!!! It used to scare the **** out of me.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by blu3g &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Oh ****! you did that too! lmao!!!! It used to scare the **** out of me.</TD></TR></TABLE>

i was doing it for a civic once. I've never seen a nut shoot that far, that fast...LOL

 

reminds me of lowering my car and using hose clamps to compress the stock spring.. hahaha..

cool ****.