So Wat Do You Use To Compress Springs?

dummer088 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-31-2004, 01:52 AM

well went to get my quad back together today... can't copress the springs w/out the valve movin... how have you guys done it? thanks..

98cobra · #2 (**permalink**) 05-31-2004, 01:56 AM

I used rachet tie downs to compress the spring enough over the struts to get it back together.

Insane250r · #3 (**permalink**) 05-31-2004, 06:00 PM

i use a spring compressor from napa

satrnfreak · #4 (**permalink**) 05-31-2004, 08:38 PM

Im thinking you are asking about engine springs/valve springs? Or are we refering to suspension? If you are compressing valve springs, they make a tool to fill cylinder up with pressurized air so the valves dont fall in. If we are talking about suspension, someone else had the best suggestion with ratcheting tie downs...

fREAK

dummer088 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-31-2004, 09:13 PM

ya its engine springs/valve springs... so i canjust go to a napa and they have one for motorcycles/atvss?

#6 (**permalink**) 05-31-2004, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dummer088@May 31 2004, 05:13 PM
ya its engine springs/valve springs... so i canjust go to a napa and they have one for motorcycles/atvss?

Any decent place that has auto type tools should have one that would work.

Some people have been able to use both c-clamps and pry bars on some models, and though using them can save the price of the spring compressor the damage that can happen from messing up is a lot more $$$.

satrnfreak · #7 (**permalink**) 06-01-2004, 01:36 AM

A couple of things...

Why are you compressing valve springs? Are you trying to replace seals, or are you trying to replace something else? Do you have the tool to compress an overhead valve engine spring? And is the only problem you are having is the valve dropping down after you compress the spring? If you are trying to compress a spring on the engine with anything other than a spring compressor, goodluck. Also, dont make a mistake, if you get the retainers loose with out supporting the valve(via compressed air) the valve will fall into the cylinder and then you will have to tear the whole motor apart. I cannot stress this enough, if you are not a competent mechanic, MAKE FRIENDS WITH ONE!!!! They have the tools and knowledge to help in a bind, AND WE ARE USUALLY NICE GUYS.

fReAK

dummer088 · #8 (**permalink**) 06-01-2004, 02:15 AM

well. i had my head off.. one exhaust stud .. wasn't.. someone put a bolt instead of a stud w/ a nut on it.. so well it snapped off... when we were trying to take it off... not my fault.. so i had new stud put in.. my ddad said we'd put it back together.. but i din't want to... i don't wanna screw anything up... but my dad works on cars and trucks.. he doesn't understand that you can't wack the engine w/ a sledge hammer on a quad.. its all alluminum.. well i bought valves... and replaced the seals... and i got some other gaskets for the top end... the head is off the motor... and we got 1 dang.. just left my mind.. the thing that makes the spring stay compressed... well we got 1 in on 1side.. but were trying to figure out how to get both in... thx

ridnwarrior · #9 (**permalink**) 06-01-2004, 07:32 PM

Keeper. It's called a valve spring keeper. There is one on each side of the valve stem.

Did you get the valve spring compressor yet?

Hearing this just reminds me why I try not to buy used equipment...

dummer088 · #10 (**permalink**) 06-01-2004, 07:34 PM

ya im leanin on wanting to sell it.. i ride it like 2ice a month usually.. and don't abuse it as bad as alot of other people.. and ever since i got it.. its been somthing every month... and its getting more and more expensive.. no im calling and pricin it now