Valve Spring Compressor

[Rato73]

I am in the process of replacing a seized camshaft in my '84 380SE and was balking at the thought of spending $200 for the Mercedes valve spring compessor. After doing an internet search, I found a tool that looked similar and ordered it. It is made by K-D and is model #3087. I ordered it for less than $50. It has the hooks for the OHC and an adjustable foot to compress the spring. Works like a charm for 1/4 the cost.

My winter project was an m116 in an 82 380SL. I found that the KD tool worked great for compressing the springs to remove the rockers. When I decided to replace the valve stem seals I think a tool more of the design of the Mercedes tool would have worked better. You have to compress the springs much more to remove the cone halves and retainer. With the piston at top dead center using compressed air to keep the valves closed the KD tool had a tendency to push the valve spring retainer off center making it difficult to replace the cone halves after the new seals were installed. I think the original tool would have pushed the retainer straight down. It was not a big deal since I had the engine out of the car and on a stand, but if I would have been working with the engine in the car it would have been troublesome.

Randy