GS Valve Spring Compressor suggestions?

[srsupertrap]

Within the next month I will need a Valve Spring Compressor to reassemble a worked GS1100G D Head. I will be doing this job myself so I am looking for a suggestion from someone on which tool works pretty well.

I saw this on EBay . . . ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Motorcycle-Car-Universal-Valve-Spring-Compressor-Tool-/170610459061?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item27b92d01b5

TIA
Steve

[Steve]

That might work, but for about half the price, you can make one like I did.

BassCliff has a video of my tool and how to use it on his site.

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[srsupertrap]

I didn't look but it it PVC pipe related?

[Steve]

Yep. ..................
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[tkent02]

Steve, that tool looks really good for the money, if the sizes fit our valves and heads.
Let me know how it works.

[Steve]

It fits the 8-valve heads just fine.

I tried one for a 16-valve head, but the plastic was not strong enough. I ended up using a section of electrical conduit for that one.

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[pete]

I used Steve's on my 450 head and my third attempt worked like a charm.

On my first two attempts I cut the rectangle too big which took too much strength away from the bottom, allowing it to basically fold under the pressure.

Once you've done four valves, you can get a real technique going that makes it real easy... unfortunately the 450 only has four valves so I couldn't take advantage of this

I really do recommend Steve's method, so very simple and you more than likely already have a suitable C clamp.

[gsryder]

I also used PVC, but you have to get the thicker PVC cut a notch in it and I used a little extender magnet you get at any hardware or harbor freight and plucked the little clips out. Sorry I dont have any picks but I am sure basscliffs is along the same line.
The only thing that was a real pain in the rear was putting the clips back in never found a good way...just dropped them in and fiddle with them till I got them in place.

[Steve]

I used Steve's on my 450 head and my third attempt worked like a charm. ...

Trust me, that wasn't my first attempt, either.

It took several attempts at designing the PVC tool, and the video was the third or fourth attempt, too. Even then, I still had to "fiddle" with the keepers to get them into place. Kept that in just to show it doesn't always go as planned.

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[niclpnut]

for what it's worth I got one from ebay, and it worked really well (16 valve motor) has plently of adapters for different valve sizes.

Nic

[TeamDar]

Since you asked...Buy the valve spring compressor. If you only had one valve to remove, then yes, make some home made c-clamp and pipe device. If you are doing a whole head or many heads you won't regret buying the purpose designed tool. They are reasonably priced and VERY easy to use.

[pete]

Trust me, that wasn't my first attempt, either.

It took several attempts at designing the PVC tool, and the video was the third or fourth attempt, too. Even then, I still had to "fiddle" with the keepers to get them into place. Kept that in just to show it doesn't always go as planned.

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And here I was thinking my lack of coordination was to blame

But yeah, the valve keepers were definitely the most difficult bit, however once again I got a good technique going on the fourth valve...

[Steve]

Since you asked...Buy the valve spring compressor. If you only had one valve to remove, then yes, make some home made c-clamp and pipe device. If you are doing a whole head or many heads you won't regret buying the purpose designed tool. They are reasonably priced and VERY easy to use.

AGREED.

I am not in the business of rebuilding engines. Out of the several bikes that have gone through my garage during the last six years, I have only changed valve seals on two, one 8- and one 16-valve. For that kind of useage, my tool works well, but if you see doing this more often, get the 'proper' tool.

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[srsupertrap]

for what it's worth I got one from ebay, and it worked really well (16 valve motor) has plently of adapters for different valve sizes.

Nic

Nic,

Are the adapters steel or plastic? If they are plastic I will probably stick with the notched PVC.

Tom,
I will let you know how it works out. I don't have an extra set of hands for this project.

Steve

[tkent02]

Nic,

Are the adapters steel or plastic? If they are plastic I will probably stick with the notched PVC.

Tom,
I will let you know how it works out. I don't have an extra set of hands for this project.

Steve

You will if you ask, I can zip down there easy enough if you need a hand.
If I'm in town.