Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

My Christmas project for the long stranded Elan Sprint is to start working on the cylinder head. I'd be grateful if the experienced engineers on here would recommend the make and model of valve spring compressor I should buy and a reputable supplier.

Many thanks in advance and Seasons Greetings to you all.

John

The Draper VSC3 is the one to get, like the one in this auction - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Draper-Compressors-CODE-Nos-VSC1-AND-VSC3-CLAMPS-VICES-/121790509798?hash=item1c5b47b2e6%3Ag%3AB5oAAOSwI-BWIqeg&nma=true&si=VTyWV7Xg2uTI%252FA4y7OjxS%252BN1i2Q%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Someone here got a bargain!

There was a post about the Facom valve spring compressor not long ago:
http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part ... ts_id=1003
I have not used one but the idea of the slide hammer function for freeing collets sounds good to me.

I have a couple... see photos attached. You need one with an extended head to reach the valve retainer on a twin cam or make up an adapter from a piece of tube if you don't have the extended head.

Not sure if they are still made today as I have had the first for over 35 years and the second I inherited fro my father who had it for even longer.

Sykes Pickavant 660210 and adapter

Sykes Pickavant 660430


cheers
Rohan

I have the same one as Rohan's bottom picture. I've had it since the early 1980s. I've added a locking facility to the handle as it has a tendency to release violently, usually just when I fiddle with the collets. I also had to make a small V in the arm as the distance including the intakes is quite large.

John,

Have a look in Halfords. Their tools have come on a lot in recent years. I didn't buy a spring compressor, I modified my old one, but I was tempted.

Richard Hawkins