Valve spring compressor is an essential tool for car enthusiasts and professional auto mechanics alike. These valve spring compressors are tools designed to remove and install an engines valve springs quickly and safely.
Without one, removing and installing these high pressure springs can be very difficult and dangerous. Car engines have a fuel injection system that is dependent on the reliable opening and closing of its valves. In most engines, this involves the use of a high pressure spring that allows the valve to open when sufficient force is used but quickly closes the valve so that it does not interfere with the movement of the piston upon combustion. This simple system is essentially what powers a car’s movement and is reliant on good valve movement. It is such a great factor in engine performance that race car makers have sought to improve valve movement with the use of pneumatic valve springs to keep up with the race car’s need for high rotational engines. These valve springs, just like most car parts, have a limited lifespan and should be replaced as recommended by the manufacturer in order to keep the car efficient and safe.
Most engines have small but distinct differences in design. This makes a few differences in the valve spring they use and means that different engines need different types of valve spring compressors. For example, Ford vehicles with 4.6 liter 2 valve and 4 valve V8 engines need a compressor such as the OTC 7928 valve spring compressor. This tool is great for camshaft, valve seal and valve spring maintenance. It is effective with a 3/8 inch ratchet and is easy to use even for amateur enthusiasts. It measure 7 ¾ inches in height by 1 ½ inches in width by 5 inches in length and weighs just over half a pound. It is priced at $159 brand new but there are used ones available online at about $90. Since tools like these do not deteriorate quickly over time, a used OTC 7928 valve spring compressor is not such a bad idea. This tool is also effective for 5.4 liter and 6.8 liter V10 Ford engines.
For professional mechanics that have to deal with a great number and range of cars in their work, a more versatile valve spring compressor may be more appropriate. One such tool is the 2078 Universal Valve Spring Compressor from KD Tools. It is effective for all but the most deviant car engine designs. It can remove valve springs from overhead valves without removing the cylinder head by using parallel compression from its offset jaw grip. It also maintains constant length even as the spring compresses for easier use. The tool is handy measuring 1 ½ inches in height by 5 ¾ inches in width by 8 ¾ inches length and weighs just over 15 ounces. It is also more economic, being priced at $40 brand new, with used prices going as low as $25 dollars. Due to its more versatile nature, this tool may even be useful for car enthusiasts with multiple cars to maintain.