I've never used anything except the compressor type that hooks under the cam.

If you get the cylinder up on TDC, you may not need air or rope - the valve presses against the piston and you can push the retainer down far enough to get the collets out.

You can get the seals just about anywhere. I have used the dealer for them because the cost difference won't cover the shipping if you get them online.

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe