I have reassembled ~ 10 stock heads using my trusty Sears valve spring compressor however, the wider Schneider spring retainers prevent the tool from working next to the cam towers. The increased spring forces of the stronger springs also made in challenging. In the end I had to go backwards a few steps.

Here is what I recommend for others who find this post in the future:

1. Remove cam towers

2. Remove rocker pivot bolts

3. Adjust the tool so that you do not have to change the vice handle tensioner: Set the pin so that you can press it against the valve face,at the other end you can then press the springs down with your thumbs to walk the fork over the spring retainer.

4. Have a magnet on hand to help move the keepers as needed.

5. WEAR EYE PROTECTION

FYI finding a valve keeper launched towards the back of the room full of stuff is no fun....twice.

Edited May 19, 201212 yr by Blue

I have the same springs and retainers in my car and I have taken them on and off at least three times with the KD3087 tool . It's not super easy next to the towers, but it will work. I simply remove the hook closest to the tower and clamp a pair of vice grips on the cam right next to the other hook to keep the tool from sliding or twisting. It works pretty well and I have never had to fight with it.

Phillip......Same here....... kD 3087 will fit next to the two towers that present the problem. It ain't easy, but you can get it to work. Easier than removing the cam towers etc. IMO

Thanks guys! I'll pick one up.

For the record:

The cam is Delta 270/280

Valve Lift: 0.450" Intake and Exhaust Measured.

Exhaust Cam Lift: 0.315" Measured

Geometry Multiplier:1.43

Springs:Schneider 68022 110lbs @ 1.6"

Retainer: Schneider 73004

Lash: 0.162"

I had a peek through the springs and it looks like I have ~ 2-3mm between the top of the stock valve seal and bottom of the retainer at full lift.

Edited May 20, 201212 yr by Blue

Sounds ghetto, but with the exact same springs and retainers on my head I used a "custom" tool made from a socket and C-clamp. Get an 8-inch clamp and an old socket and cut a ~1 inch high hole that's half the circumference at one end of the socket. Sit the socket on the retainer then clamp against the socket and valve head.

I did all 12 valves this way this morning in about 20 minutes. Free if you already have the parts, less than $20 if you have to buy them.