800 pound valve springs

[norvalwilhelm]

I was going to take my heads apart this weekend and ran into a slight problem. I have a brand new valve spring compresser. Paid $115 for it. When I went to do the first spring, I grunted, the spring compressor grunted and the spring never moved.

Tried a few more times and no go.
What do you use to remove those strong a spring???
I am going to start work tomorrow on a homemade tool, just don't know what yet.

 

[bossvette]

some times you need to give them a little nudge with a hammer to break the keepers loose.

 

[bradfordsvettes]

what bossvette says

 

[motorman]

I was going to take my heads apart this weekend and ran into a slight problem. I have a brand new valve spring compresser. Paid $115 for it. When I went to do the first spring, I grunted, the spring compressor grunted and the spring never moved. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/images/smilies/lol.gif Tried a few more times and no go.
What do you use to remove those strong a spring???
I am going to start work tomorrow on a homemade tool, just don't know what yet. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif

smack the retainer using a 9/16" deep socket and a brass hammer

 

[norvalwilhelm]

Thanks Guys. I hate to smack the new retainers with a socket. I am afraid of marking them.
I made a heavy duty tool that hopefully has enough guts to compress even the biggest spring.
I will give it a try tonight.
I am use to putting the valve spring compressor on, applying pressure and then giving it a good smack on the retainer.
I think with this strong a spring the compressor main frame just bends.