I just bought the proform stud-mounted valvespring compressor #66784. I have time to change my order if I get bad opinions on it. I am sick of trying to remove 300+lb springs with the stupid screw-type compressors with the fingers that grab lower on the spring, even with one that has a 3/8" drive.

Does anyone have this compressor, and have you used it on heavy springs? I can upgrade to their heavy duty compressor but its only for removed heads, id rather have both.

 

Why dont you post a link to a photograph?

 

here

 

That compressor will work on only half of the springs. You will never get that thing to work on the rear most springs that are under the windshield or cowl or whatever you call that hard to get to area.

That is an ideal tool for any application where the springs dont have an obstruction above them.

I have used the screw type, yes its hard on the hands but it works perfectly.

 

You can do all 16 springs with that compressor, been there and done that.

Its a decent tool for the price.

The part that pushes the springs down isnt really at a good angle for our heads and tends to c.ock the retainers a little sideways. I put mine in a vice and flatened it out a little and it works 100% better.

Next complaint would be the pivot bar. In tight spots you need to remove the handle and spin on the tool. To remove the bar you need to pull of this little itty bitty clip thats a PITA. I just trashed the entire pin setup and threw a bolt in its place. Once again works great.

As for spring pressures, mine are 250 on seat and 500+ open, and it worked for all of them. A couple on the passenger side back are tight, but it can be done.

 

Just what I wanted to hear atljar, thanks for the advice as well. Glad I ordered this instead of the off car only HD compressor they make.

 

I was looking at this same tool myself, thanks for asking for me.

I change the fron 4 cylinders with the old stamped steel compressor bar and the screw type for the rear 4. I HATE the rear 4!!!!

 

I guess I was told wrong then.
It appears it will work just fine.
Good luck.

 

I just finished installing Comp Cams 26918 beehive springs using that tool. It worked great on all of the springs. As already stated, remove the small C clip from the locking pin so you can take the tool apart. Then you can screw the bar down on the stud, slide the rest of the tool on the bar, and put the pin in place to hold it. no problem getting to the springs under the cowl.

It does tend to compress the springs a bit off center making it difficult to get the locks into the retainers. I just used a small flat tip screwdriver to center the spring after it was compressed, and this made it much easier to install the locks.

Thomas.

 

I tried that tool. It would mis-align the spring so bad on install that it was useless. Ended up using the screw type.

 

I agree with how it pushes down the spring sucks. The thing that pushes on the retainers just needs to be bent flat.

 

Might want to try this one.


Snap-on Part number YA3271

 

Search back a week or two and I posted up a compressor a guy makes from ls1tech. It's only $30 and is a godsend.

 

We'll be using that on cmr0z28's car this weekend.. will report back on how it works out.

 

LOL, I custom bent it all over the place and it still would not work well enough for me.