Valve compressor tool for Lotus head

[PoOh]

Hi guys,

I'm planning to install Rick D titanium retainers on my TIII lotus head but I need a valve compressor tool. What tool are you using to work on those engines? I heard about Mitchell or Miller tools but I know that they are expensive (around $300)... is there a cheaper alternative? I read that a DOHC Neon head tool would be working too.

I'm ready to rent a tool for a few days if someone want to help me out. I'll pay shipping.

Thanks for your help guys!

Pascal Blouin

I would be interested in a neon head tool. I managed to get my valves out but i'm not sure how i'm gonna get them back in.

Duke

[fortknox82]

From what i know and seen you can go to Cornwell or Cornwall Tools and they have a DOHC valve spring compressor tool. Its really not a tool at all though. You use a regular valve spring compressor tool and then use this plastic insert thing that goes on top of the valve and compresses down just right..

I know my dad bought 2 for the different sizes and they look like they will work good for a t3. I think he paid like $50 for the pair or something like that.

Might be something to look into.

I found this on the snap-on website.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_d...re&dir=catalog

[PoOh]

That's a weird tool from what I see on the picture... any idea how it works?

Compared to $300, This seems to be too good to be true.


Pascal Blouin

[PoOh]

While trying to find how the Snap-on tool works... I have found that pic.

I took a close look at it and I catched the trick. I'll probably end up buying that tool.

Anybody ever used that Snap-on spring compressor tool??



Pascal Blouin

[seth]

i would guess that the universal tool will not work.
the lotus/renault specific one essentially grabs the head like
a giant c-clamp, with the head off the car.

on the lotus head there isn't enough clearance around the spring to grab it with anything from the sides and compress the spring.
the c-clamp looking thing grabs it from the top and bottom of the head and pushes it down.

a hook-type compressor that hooks on to the opposite cam and pushes down like a prybar might work, but i haven't seen one of these tools lately.

i think cliff ramsdell has a tool, you may want to see if he'll rent it out or can recommend where he bought it. it may be the $300 piece though.

Quote:

Originally posted by PoOh While trying to find how the Snap-on tool works... I have found that pic. I took a close look at it and I catched the trick. I'll probably end up buying that tool. Anybody ever used that Snap-on spring compressor tool?? Pascal Blouin

[PoOh]

Hi,

The Snap-on tool isn't grabbing the spring by the sides. We all know that this is the problem with the Lotus head...

If you look closely at the picture you'll see that it's a pry tool hooked on a pivot bar attached to two stands bolted in the center of the head. From what I can see, the "universal" thing is that you can bolt the two stands to almost any head since they have many mounting holes for the pivot bar.

Now 120$ is also expensive for a tool I won't need very often

Now that I have an idea how to compress the spring... I'll probably fire up the welder and make myself a costom tool.


Pascal Blouin

[Dan Culkin]

I have that tool, the snap on one. It does work, but it's not the easiest thing in the world to deal with.

Dan

Quote:

Originally posted by PoOh Hi, The Snap-on tool isn't grabbing the spring by the sides. We all know that this is the problem with the Lotus head... If you look closely at the picture you'll see that it's a pry tool hooked on a pivot bar attached to two stands bolted in the center of the head. From what I can see, the "universal" thing is that you can bolt the two stands to almost any head since they have many mounting holes for the pivot bar. Now 120$ is also expensive for a tool I won't need very often Now that I have an idea how to compress the spring... I'll probably fire up the welder and make myself a costom tool. Pascal Blouin

[PoOh]

From the pictures I found while surfing, it seems that the pry-tool handle is a little short for the kind of spring pressure you have to deal with...

Dan, in your opinion, is that tool worth the price?

Thanks,
Pascal Blouin

[Dan Culkin]

Quote:

Originally posted by PoOh From the pictures I found while surfing, it seems that the pry-tool handle is a little short for the kind of spring pressure you have to deal with... Dan, in your opinion, is that tool worth the price? Thanks, Pascal Blouin

Well, considering that there's nothing else on the market that works (that I could find, anyway...), I'd have to say yes.

That's not an enthusiastic yes, though ...

It will also work on Neon heads, probably most anything else too.

Dan Culkin
86 GLHS #104
89 CSX #61
91 Spirit R/T
92 Spirit R/T

[PoOh]

Hi all,

After a little thinking and searching, I was able to make myself a Lotus head valve compressor tool.

I used various sizes of steel tubing and fired up my welder. After some grinding and welding, I finally ended up with a very functional tool. I was able to remove and install back the springs and retainers on my TIII head. I'm sorry I have no pics at this time but it's based on the Snap-On tool principle.

Since it's almost impossible to find a reasonably priced tool for our R/T cars, I can make a few more tools if someone needs one.

Based on the material pricing and the amount of time required to cut and weld those things, I'll ask $60 + Shipping.

You can contact me by email:
pascalblouin(at)hotmail(dot)com

See you,
Pascal Blouin

[PoOh]

If anybody is interested, I'm still offering my Lotus head valve spring compressor tool.

I'll soon take some pictures and make a page for the tool on my website.

Pascal Blouin