Hey all,

I'm now up to rebuilding the head and attempting to compress the valve springs on the A12.

I can't get the bottom of the valve sping compressor under the valve springs - as the spring are on an angle and the bottom of the spring is recessed into the head.

Anyone got a good technique for compressing the springs to disassemble the valve assembly?

Mildman

id take it to the engineers. they do all dat for you. take out everyting n put it all back together again. dont cost dat much n its a pro job.

Well I could do that, but I've been enjoying doing everything myself...I've had a few dramas along the way. This is just the latest, but the learning is fun.

The lower part of the valve spring compressor should go at the bottom of the head, on the valve itself.

yeah kno wat u mean by the fun learning.

recently overhauled my a14 n did it myself. feels good t kno exactly wat your motor is doing any y

Hmm...I didn't try that!

The picture that came the tool showed it being done the other way....I'll post some pics soon.

That actually makes sense though...although I guess it doesn't scratch the surface of the valve?

The box of the tool says "No need to remove cylinder head from the engine!"

Instructions:
Place jaws under bottim area of valve spring
Compress valve spring by turning handle and remove valve keeper

Thought I followed the instructions as best I could...see pics

MY way is a bit animal but it works put the head on a piece of crd board covered with a rag ,place head on ground use a spark plug socket ,place it on the top on the valve spring ,give it a wack with a 4 pound hammer and the collets will pop out and you can now remove the valve and spring.......

OK...possible to use this bashing method, leads me to one question....how do you put it back together?

Looking at the pics of what you are doing is correct.

One thing you should do though before using the spring compressor is give the retainers a light tap around the top with a small hammer.

In the pics it looks as though the spring is compressed but the valve and collets are stuck in the retainer.

I have the exact same spring compressor so they definitely work for the job you are trying to do.

What part of SE Melbourne are you in?

Good to hear some positive reinforcement...

I'll give the valve stems a few love taps - so if I can loosen the o-rings above the collets.

The whole engine has been a bit festy so I could understand things being stuck together.

By retainer I assume you either mean the o-rings on the top....or the spring caps?