How to use vintage sunnen valve spring compressor?

[Nosetime]

Bought this vintage Sunnen valve spring compressor, not obvious to me which way thedamn thing works, any help of a pic of it being used?

[Crankster]

Is that a general use spring compressor, or specialized for use only with Flatheads or something like that? It does look kind of strange.

[Nosetime]

Pat. Is 1926 they were used on A’s.

[J Franklin]

One side of jaw to spring and the other to the guide boss.

[Ray in La Mesa]

With both sides of the compressor as close together as possible,and the slider all the way to one end, the side with the angle iron section cups the coils of the spring while the straight bar side braces against the lifter boss. Squeeze the handles to separate the compressor ends, compressing the spring, and slide the slider as far as it will go to hold the setting. Operate it a few times before you actually use it to see how the various pieces move to understand it's action. Sometimes the valve will lift with the compressing spring so just push it down so you can remove spring containing disk and the keeper. Also, sometimes it is easier to insert the lifter rails between the lower coils of the spring instead of between the bottom coil and the containing disk.

[Nosetime]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Thanks, Ray, thats what I figured, but there isn't any room to get to the keeper? I think my tool is bent and will try to modify it a bit. I could not find a pic or instructions anywhere on web. I could just buy the modern one, but found this and recognized it as one recommended here by some old time mechanics. I'd to honor the old engine and use some of the tools from the day, when possible.

[Nosetime]

Any other thoughts?

[Ray in La Mesa]

I forgot to mention that you need to rotate the cam so the lifter is at it lowest point to have room to remove the keeper.

[Nosetime]

Ah yes, indeed Ray! I finally figured that out and managed to get one off! It's still not as easy as the pickle fork/pivot style, but it was cool to show my modern mechanic friend.

[Ray in La Mesa]

Using the old tools can be a challenge but it is usually fun too.

[chap52]

Great thread. I bought one of those awhile back just because it looked cool. Knowing how it works makes it even cooler.
I have a few old tools I've gathered along the way, some of which "I created" for a special job.I just recently "tagged" them all so after I am gone the next guy will at least have a clue as to what they are and not just toss them.

[Terry, NJ]

I bought new one off a K-D "Tree" in 63-64. I have never been without it (except when someone "borrowed" it, I keep a lit candle in the window) I replaced at a garage sale for $2. The one I had, had a large adjustment screw in the center. I used it on Ford V8s, Briggs and Stratton, Ford 8N, Hercules and Graymarine marine Flathead engines, and of course, Model A s. What else was there? Especially on the FH V8s?
Terry

Originally Posted by Nosetime

Bought this vintage Sunnen valve spring compressor, not obvious to me which way thedamn thing works, any help of a pic of it being used?