Top End Rebuild

[Roostabunny]

The correct tool for the job, and one that doesn't allow parts to fly all over the shop and get lost, really does not cost much at all and can be used on other projects including your lawn mower/tractor, 4-and 6 cylinder car/truck, etc.

Or, you can waste time/money doing other silly stuff like making a tool out of PCV pipe/modified socket, using zip ties instead of the factory valve shim tool (under $20) and breaking bolts by NOT using a clicker type torque wrench.
The choice is yours.

So noted, and I appreciate the link.

I love my little valve shim tool (and my torque wrenches, for that matter), but I'm also not immune to spending $20 and 5hrs to avoid buying a $15 tool. So, I'll certainly do the math first on this one - especially at that price (thought the shipping kinda hurts).

My general rule of thumb anymore is not to build a rarely-used tool until I see what HFT is selling it for.

[rustybronco]

Valve spring tool: I've seen the chopped socket designs as well as come interesting drilled pipe types - how'd you attach the socket?

I drilled a hole in the C clamp and threaded it for a bolt.

Vice-grip/Camshaft holder-downer: I think you're saying the point is to NOT allow racking/twisting force on the journals, but caution/patience works as well as a tool?

NO! you MUST buy a tool for everything!

[rustybronco]

Or, you can waste time/money doing other silly stuff like making a tool out of PCV pipe/modified socket,

Or you actually make one and see that it works rather than taking about something you've never tried.

[cowboyup3371]

There's a good example of a valve-lapping tool that Steve made for me when I did my valves last year on Basscliff's site; it even includes instructions on how to do it.

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/storagecliff1/images/HOW_TO_LAP_VALVES.pdf

And nope, no issues using it either

[tkent02]

There is a much easier way to lap valves.

[rustybronco]

Rubber hose on the valve stem.

[tkent02]

Rubber hose on the valve stem.

Yep, way more easier.

[Bandrews5800]

I had one of these exact C clamps in my hands today, thinking "this is almost a valve spring compressor"
I know what I am going to be using, thanks!

FYI - saw a pretty good valve lapping idea (on Youtube, search"EASY, HOW I LAPP & GRIND VALVES. THEY DONT TEACH THIS TRICK IN SCHOOL, ONLY OLDSKOOL." He tested before and after, convincing results - and a lot less effort, low buck, what more could you ask for.

[Grimly]

I had one of these exact C clamps in my hands today, thinking "this is almost a valve spring compressor"
I know what I am going to be using, thanks!

FYI - saw a pretty good valve lapping idea (on Youtube, search"EASY, HOW I LAPP & GRIND VALVES. THEY DONT TEACH THIS TRICK IN SCHOOL, ONLY OLDSKOOL." He tested before and after, convincing results - and a lot less effort, low buck, what more could you ask for.

Wow. I just watched his video on hand-flatting a cylinder head.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyKN52HD6RU

Serious amount of work, but do-able if you're stuck.