Installing "New" valve springs

[Duane Ausherman]

I bought a C type compressor back in about 1964 and still use it on BMW heads, which nowadays is seldom. You gotta be a bit careful, but otherwise it works well.

[the quinner]

I'm on my third valve spring compressor and finally have one I really like...it's a "C" style made by OTC (tool # 4572)..

The two I didn't like were: a "C" style I bought from Sears (NOT Craftsman branded)...I didn't like it because the part that is supposed to hold the retainer was not robust enough. The other one I don't really like is the OHV style that Rob pictured...mine is the Snap-on version, but they are all similar. The thing I don't like about it is that the part holding the spring needs to be worked down the spring as it is tightened...it essentially needs to be 'threaded' down the spring. It works, but is fiddly and takes awhile.

The OTC is about $50.

[Deleted User 287]

Well, I bought an affordable compressor, but it was too "affordable" to do the job.

I kept losing collets. (?) I should have built a "clean" room to do the work in.

Today I packed up the heads and took them to my local dealer to reassemble as my order for 4 new collets had just arrived.
I was tired of fighting the issue and I wanted to get them done with all of my fingers intact.

When I get them back, everything else will seem like child's play!

They had a mono-shock R100R with bags & windshield out front for $3999!

I don't know if any BMW other than an airhead could grab my attention, even if I were to win a lottery.
Well, maybe a 4-wheeler...

[Major Softie]

Don't forget to put oil in it.

[Deleted User 287]

Don't forget to put oil in it.

[Jean]

OIL
+1

[dougie]

OIL
+1

Spoken like a person who had a close call. (Me too.)