How to make your own valve spring compressor for $5?

[Sandblaster]

How to make a CHEAP valve spring compressor.
Recently we ran into a 2002 HONDA XR400R that we wanted to replace the seals on and didn't have a valve spring compressor.
So, Jason at Dirt Brothers showed us how to make one CHEAP!
Ingredients:
(1) Large C clamp, in this example we used a 7".
(2) swing arm bushings or some pipe .86" OD or there abouts.
Tools:
Bench grinder
Welder
Hack saw.
Total cost about 5 dollars

While we had the head apart we replaced the seals and tuned up the valve and seat faces.

This is not intended to show you how to rebuild a head, it is intended to show you how to make a valve spring compressor and save some bucks.


Here's some pics of how it works.































All done.

The tool worked perfect and we ended up with a really good running XR400.

[Sandblaster]

Hello.
Here is a quick update.
We have used the Valve spring Compressor on the following bikes:
96-04 XR400R - 12200-KCY-670
99-07 TRX400EX - 12200-KCY-670
04-07 CRF250R - 12010-KRN-A00
05 kx250f - 11008-0050
07-08 450 SX-F SXS-F, 505 SX-F, 08 505 XC-F - 77336020044
08-10 KLR650 – 11008-0129
97-07 KLR650 – 11008-1297
87-95 KLR650 – 11008-1202
84-86 KL600 – 11008-1157
85-05 KLR250, 87-96 KSF250 - 11008-1189
93-96 KLX650R – 11008-1270
09-11 KX450F - 11008-0173

[Friar-Tuck]

Excellent SB,
I realize you stated this was not a Re-build thread, so take it for what it's worth.
An old timer told me to take a rubber mallet/plastic hammer and give the valve a few taps on the valve after installing the keepers to make sure
they are seated on the valve stem. You will tap tap tap 99% of the valves and all that happens is click click click. Then you get that one
that just doesn't sound right... crunch... well not really a crunch but there is a definite sound as the keeper slips off the valve stem... Anyway's
just one more of those ounce of prevention thing,
Thanks again for taking all the time to shoot the photo's and post the pic's and write up's. I know how long it takes to do all that, AND you have
to complete the project!
Tuck\o/

[Sandblaster]

Never heard that little trick but it makes sense.
I will definitely add that to my own bag of tricks.
Thanks Tuck!

[Tardboy]

Some day I'll be doing mine.
I'm printing this out....
Much apprec...