FE on-engine spring compressor. Anyone have one I could borrow for a couple week

[67428GT500]

I am putting my engine back in the Shelby on Wednesday.  There used to be one on Ebay but I don't see them anymore. I was thinking about pulling the inner spring being the cam is in a new block and the cat had dumped my lifter tray. The cam is a custom ground Steve Long unit with 390 miles. I'm praying it will break in with no issue. I will pay shipping both ways and if you need a few bucks for the loan that's no issue either.

                                                                                                               -Keith

[Drew Pojedinec]

I just looked and it is on ebay.
Sold by “Design Concept Engineer”

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F264443418725

[Gregwill16]

Keith I have one of those if you prefer to just borrow rather than purchase.

[67428GT500]

I just looked and it is on ebay.
Sold by “Design Concept Engineer”

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F264443418725

Drew:
The one they used to offer used the rocker shaft for leverage. I am not sure if this would work on the FE with the four bolt rocker shaft hold downs.
I appreciate the link none the less.
I am praying this thing never has to come apart again after this. I did and took every precaution possible. I thought perhaps pulling the inner springs may cut my chances down of eating a cam.
                                                             -Keith

[67428GT500]

Drew: After getting off my cell I see that is for servicing the FE. They changed the design so I wouldn't  have to take the rockers off the shafts to remove the springs. Thank you.
                                                                                                    -Keith

[Drew Pojedinec]

The one I linked is the one I have. Worked well on all FE springs I have tried, even my beehives.

[Gregwill16]

Keith it is boxed up and ready to go Tuesday. The only thing that I had trouble with and Drew may have opinion on as well was the rope you put in through the sparkplug hole to keep the valve in place. I think a better method would be an air fitting pressurizing the cylinder would work better.

[cammerfe]

Although the rope trick may seem very 'low-tech', it works very well. Thirty years ago I wrecked a compressor trying to keep the cylinder pressurized in the face of what I ultimately discovered was a burnt valve. I not only had to do a teardown to get at the valve, I had to pay to have the compressor rebuilt.

KS

[67428GT500]

With the first engine I used the rope trick to disassemble the inner springs on the stand. In the car, getting the rope in the cylinders may prove to be much different.  I had forgotten about that. I think I'll light it, run the first 30 minutes or so and put them back in. Then I'll re-install the booster.
Being the heads are brand new with new positive seals it may be fine.  I don't need to do a tear down again. I appreciate the ideas and cautions.

                                                                                      -Keith
                                                   
                                                                                 

[My427stang]

Although the rope trick may seem very 'low-tech', it works very well. Thirty years ago I wrecked a compressor trying to keep the cylinder pressurized in the face of what I ultimately discovered was a burnt valve. I not only had to do a teardown to get at the valve, I had to pay to have the compressor rebuilt.

KS

Glad you added the caveat 30 years ago LOL, the screaming intake or exhaust airflow would have been immediately evident that you needed to work on the engine, but I have been there too.

I much prefer air, I don't even think twice about it.  Only concern with the nicer cars is protecting the fender from the hose as you lean over it, but you can even come up from the radiator area from the bottom with the hose if you need to.  Just watch the fan, it can jump pretty well when you add air.

[Nightmist66]

Best FE spring compressor for the money there. I've used it on beehives, mild dual spring, and stiff solid roller springs with no issues. Go with the air in the cylinder. You will get tired of the rope, real quick.

[Heo]

I built my own out of some scrap steel. Faster than ordering it

[plovett]

I bought that ebay one.  I have used it many times. It works great and the price is so low anyone could afford it.  Great deal, IMO.

paulie

[plovett]

Also, the rope is dope.  It is so easy and so simple and so full-proof.  The only thing is you want to get the right diameter rope for your spark plug holes.  Get the biggest that will easily fit.  That saves time and makes it easier.  You don't want to fill up the chamber with sewing thread.  Edelbrock heads have smaller plug holes than factory, for instance. 

paulie

[67428GT500]

Also, the rope is dope.  It is so easy and so simple and so full-proof.  The only thing is you want to get the right diameter rope for your spark plug holes.  Get the biggest that will easily fit.  That saves time and makes it easier.  You don't want to fill up the chamber with sewing thread.  Edelbrock heads have smaller plug holes than factory, for instance. 

paulie

Paulie:
If I did more engine work it'd be worth the investment. I have more money than I care to admit in tools I have used once or twice. A lot of you guys race which justifies keeping this in your tool box. I am praying I won't have to pull this damn thing down again.  I still have to pull my chunk too.
Paulie, did you use twine or something before? lol  The tool comes with a rope. You are correct as the Edelbrocks use the 5/8" plug.
As you know I had the misfortune of the cat knocking over my Crane lifter tray.  I have 360 miles on the cam and I am going to pull the inner spring and pray they'll mate. They are in a new block too. I talked to Steve long. He said they likely will be fine. I loaded the cam up with Isky cam lube too.
I took a week of vacation to recover from surgery. ( The chief pilot made me do it.)I guess I'll get this crap knocked out.
                                                                                              -Keith