Using a valve spring compressor?

Question

I need to know how to use a valve spring compressor, the type that looks like a c-clamp. I understand the "fork" side goes on top of the spring and the circular side goes on the valve to push and hold. There are also two little scoop things in the middle of the fork that i don't know what they are used for. If i can get a step by step instruction, you will get the best answer

Answer 1

the scoop thing goes on the retainer or (the part that holds the spring in place)    first    there should be an adjustment on top of the tool where the fork is...put the compressor on the retainer..and adjust the screws until it fits tight on the retainer....then will have to adjust the bottom of the compressor where the handle is so that when you close the handle it pushes down the spring far enough to get the two keepers (two little half moon clips that hold the valve into the retainer....but first before you do anything...u must wear safety glasses if a keeper shoots out of there it may hit u in the face......after you put your glasses on and before you use the compressor take a hammer and hit the top of the retainer that u want to remove...DO NOT HIT THE TOP OF THE VALVE...it will damage the valve and you may end up needing a new one...hitting the retainer loosens the keepers so it will be easy to remove them....when you collapse the handle you can see the keepers in the retainer ..it may be help full to pull them out with a magnet..then slowly release the compassion with the handle and your done....this is hard to do at first and will require some practice to get good at it...be careful u can get hurt using this tool...i have been doing this for 30+ years so i have first hand exp. on both areas good luck

Answer 2

save yourself the hassle and throw that thing away go back to your local auto parts store and buy the l shaped spring compresser  should be about twenty dollars make sure vehicle is at tdc   remove rocker arm bolt remove rocker arms going valve by valve do not mix them  up must go in exactly the same order they came out now lightly tap the top of valve with a rubber mallet will help loosen retainers place compresser on rocker arm stud take r.a. nut and tighten till valve locks fall out or can be removed very small dont lose  use compressed air to hold valves in place at tdc sorry that should have been first not hard but not easy to do rebuilt 350 motor from the guts out spent alot of money on spring compressers only to find out the simplest one worked the best the one like u got will give u h**l  i tried napas version craftsman all of them trust me use the L bar