Collets / Retainers

[Kai]

Why do these things have to hold up the whole job? I swear, in an hour, i've done 4 valves, cleaned, ground in and ready to replace but can i fit the f*cking things back in? NO.

I'm still on exhaust valve #1. I can fit ONE collet in, but the spring bends slightly to the side under the spring compressor, so you can't get the other one in.

I'm trying to wedge them into the ring but no luck - one goes, the other...AAAARGH

HOW? JUST....HOW!?

**edit**

Can i use vaseline to secure them to the stem? Or is that a no-no?

 

[GrimJack]

Yes, I use grease to stick 'em to the valve stem. Then compress the spring a little too far, so they go onto the stem where they'll end up, and release the pressure on the spring gently. Works pretty well, I only had one collet launch itself into obscurity somewhere in the garage.

 

[grimreaper]

agreed, a dab of grease or assembly lube works great!

 

[suprarich]

What type of sping compressor are you using Kai?

 

[Kai]

...a springy one?

 

[Kai]

This one...

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_202285_langId_-1_categoryId_165469

And i cannot for the life of me do it with just two hands, i need like, 11 hands to keep everything in place and pick up tools and poke the collets into the damn thing...cause always, one comes OUT, or they stick together, and go in cock eyed...