Suggested Valve Spring Compressor

fatalbert · Post by **fatalbert** » 23 Sep 2016, 18:13

I have pulled the head out of a 1993 850 to repair a leaking head gasket. I am looking for a recommendation for a valve spring compressor tool that will work for the 850. Also, any suggestions on cleaning the matting surfaces that have the anarobic sealant without scratching the surfaces?

Thanks.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 23 Sep 2016, 18:29

Some of the best valve spring compressors are home brew versions. The off the shelf compressors don't work well or at all. Robert has a video on valve replacement and his homebrew tool is as good as any other than the official high dollar Volvo tool.

To clean the surfaces there is no quick and easy way that I know of. I use a combination of Permatex gasket remover (applied 1st and allowed to soak for a while), lacquer thinner, and lots of elbow grease.

...Lee

beigg · Post by **beigg** » 23 Sep 2016, 19:06

This works nice: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Engine-Tools-Ov ... 1782340817

I've used a storage tub filled with LO parts cleaner and followed it up using a razor blade. Hot tanking makes it even cleaner, IF you are dismantling the entire head and can justify the cost.

fatalbert · Post by **fatalbert** » 23 Sep 2016, 19:29

I didn't realize you could use this tool with the head out of the car. Do you need three hands to use it when re-installing the keepers? I don't see any instructions, but assume you have to keep the valve pushed up and seated while compressing the spring, then install the valve keepers. Is this correct? I appreciate the suggestions.
Al

beigg · Post by **beigg** » 23 Sep 2016, 19:36

on the bench using flat wood stock, you can use the "feed in rope" method.

I recommend bolting the head to the wood while also temporarily affixing the wood to the bench.

Post by **pvfjr** » 24 Sep 2016, 00:29

I made one myself, and it worked great. Made the job really quick and easy. See the details here:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 81#p363581

fatalbert · Post by **fatalbert** » 24 Sep 2016, 08:47

Wow, what a contraption! Your a man after my own heart. I have been thinking of figuring out some homemade tool myself as well. Can you tell me the throat size of the C clamp you wound up using. Thanks so much for the post.
Al

Post by **erikv11** » 24 Sep 2016, 09:54

I have found the Permatex gasket remover product to be almost worthless on the anaerobic sealant. For both head surfaces I really like the AST product. You need to be super careful with it when the head is in the car because it will strip paint (I spread newspaper to protect from overspray), but for you just put the head on some cardboard, spray, wait, use a razor blade to slide off the dissolved goop.

I buy it at a local machine shop but you can order it, too: https://www.amazon.com/Ast-Pvr-Varnish- ... B01C0192SC

fatalbert · Post by **fatalbert** » 24 Sep 2016, 11:35

Thanks for the tip. From the MSD data sheet it looks like it is made by Motsenbocker and I can find it at Home Depot and other stores. Thanks.
Al

Post by **erikv11** » 24 Sep 2016, 12:41

Nice; please let us know if you find it somewhere easy-to-access. It is a great product makes a world of difference on a head pull or oil pan job.

Still takes me a couple hours to clean the block surface and almost all that time is spent with a razor blade, but at least the surface comes out squeaky, shiny clean. To be honest, the head surfaces and the cam cover I have always et the machine shop get those surfaces prepped for me.