Item: Valve Spring Compressor Tool for Honda CB175, CL175, SL175 / CB200, CL200 / CB350, CL350, SL350 / CB360, CL360, CJ360 / CB500K, CB550K CB550F / CB750 motorcycles.
Why You Need This: The valve spring compressor is one of the few specialty tools needed during an engine overhaul on a Honda CB350, CB360 or CB550. The valve springs on the cylinder head must be compressed so that the valves can be removed from the engine for inspection and or replacement. This tool compresses the valve spring by holding the valve in place in the head while pushing on the valve spring retainer to release the valve spring locks (the half round tapered cone bits). Once the locks are removed, the compressor is released and the valve spring is easily removed. It is only when the assembly is taken apart that you can inspect the valves, intake guides, exhaust guides, and valve springs for wear. Reassembly is in the reverse order.
The compressor tool fits many small engines that use a standard coil type valve spring.
NOTE: this tool will NOT work on Honda CL450 / CB450 and CB500T family of motorcycles, as these engines use a torsion bar style valve spring.
Installation Tip: Wear safety glasses when using the valve spring compressor!!! Use the proper driver on the valve spring compressor to match the diameter of the valve retainer (round piece on top of the valve spring). The pointed end insert is what touches the valve face to hold it in place. It is easy to loose the valve locks (keepers) as they are small when compressing the valve spring. A magnet helps grab them from the valve stem when removing. You only need to compress the spring just enough to remove the locks from the retainer. When removing the valves, keep track of which valve came out of its respective spot on the cylinder head (i.e. Left Intake or #3 Exhaust). If the valve does not drop out of the head easily, use a small file or some sand paper on the edge of the valve stem tip where the rocker arm presses, as it may have become slightly mushroomed and a small burr on the edge must be removed first. Use a dab of grease on the inside of the valve locks when installing on the valve stems to hold them in place when releasing the compressor.
