Does anyone have a recommendation for a reasonably priced valve spring compressor for the D2. I’ve been looking around for a bit but can’t land on one.

 

They all work the same if the head is off, but these are the easiest

 

I borrowed one like this from O'reilly, worked fine.

 

Borrow one from Autozone or Advance.

 

OK, I saw that, but was reading in the comments that it didn’t fit some models.

 

@greisinb That one would be tough to use on tight multiple valve heads. Most removers work ok on our valves as there is lots of space

 

I ended up going out to the garage and measuring the engine I've got on a stand to see what models would fit and came to the same conclusion (after I had written the post). I ordered a 6" model and we will see how it goes. Even if I think I've got the right course of action I like to ask as the depth of information and experience on this forum always amazes me.

 

@greisinb Asking can save you some grief for sure

 

F*** these things. They do work, but they're a pain in the butt and they're sketchy as heck.

The best thing I've used is an 8" C clamp from harbor freight with the foot ground out to go around the retainer locks.

I also like to take a cheap 5/8 socket and weld to the end of the screw so I can just run it down with a drill or am impact instead of cranking it by hand. Here's some pictures of mine.

 

Thanks for the pics, if the one I ordered doesn’t quite work up I’m totally going to fab up one of those, great idea.