Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: rustyric on May 01, 2018, 04:42:45 PM

Title: Spreader of what ?
Post by: rustyric on May 01, 2018, 04:42:45 PM
This tool is obviously designed to spread/stretch something open but what ? Its unbranded.

(https://i.imgur.com/q3VQoyZ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/60MMnwb.jpg)
Title: Re: Spreader of what ?
Post by: Lostmind on May 01, 2018, 06:37:58 PM
valve spring compressor is my guess , for small engine L heads. Lawn mowers , tractors
Title: Re: Spreader of what ?
Post by: oldgoaly on May 01, 2018, 07:02:13 PM
spring compressor for a flat head or side valve engine
Title: Re: Spreader of what ?
Post by: turnnut on May 01, 2018, 08:20:48 PM
 if you back off the wing nut, does it close together ?

  maybe a valve lifter so you can remove the keepers ??
Title: Re: Spreader of what ?
Post by: pritch on May 01, 2018, 10:35:54 PM
It certainly looks like a spring compressor of some kind, but if automotive could you do so with a wingnut?
Title: Re: Spreader of what ?
Post by: Bill Houghton on May 02, 2018, 10:05:51 AM
Quote from: pritch on May 01, 2018, 10:35:54 PM
It certainly looks like a spring compressor of some kind, but if automotive could you do so with a wingnut?
Oh, sure.  Valve springs are not as strong as their gauge suggests.  This is what the compressors I've seen look like:
(http://content.invisioncic.com/r277599/monthly_2017_08/598b1e51b0d1b_vintage-zim-tools-valve-spring-compressor-lifter-no-122-made-in-usa-flathead-e22bd2e7f5d885cd5ed1233acf283dfa1.jpg.077d4f995a2dab4fbb98037af2e64d35.jpg)
This is the first one I've ever seen that's not formed sheet metal - that's one chunky item!
Title: Re: Spreader of what ?
Post by: rustyric on May 02, 2018, 02:14:11 PM
Side Valve - eh I used to own a BSA M21 motorbike with one of those, when it used to kick back when you started it almost broke your leg !!
Title: Re: Spreader of what ?
Post by: EVILDR235 on May 02, 2018, 03:08:40 PM
I also say it's a valve spring compressor for a flathead / side valve engine. I have one out in the garage and the last time I used it was on a 264 CI Chrysler straight 6 engine in a Wagnermobile scooploader that was converted into a forklift. I had to convert a Chrysler passenger car engine to use in the forklift at work. Decided to lap the valves in while I had the head off. That type of spring compressor will not work on a Ford or Mercury flathead V8 engine. I enjoy working on old engines and dislike working om modern engines.

EvilDr235
Title: Re: Spreader of what ?
Post by: Bill Houghton on May 02, 2018, 03:34:08 PM
Quote from: rustyric on May 02, 2018, 02:14:11 PM
Side Valve - eh I used to own a BSA M21 motorbike with one of those, when it used to kick back when you started it almost broke your leg !!
That's interesting, because side valve motors are inherently mid-to-low-compression motors.  I hadn't realized BSA made side valve motors so late - until 1963!
Title: Re: Spreader of what ?
Post by: Papaw on May 02, 2018, 06:41:59 PM
Probably wasn't the compression, more likely timing was off.
Title: Re: Spreader of what ?
Post by: Bill Houghton on May 02, 2018, 10:40:35 PM
My son was over tonight, and suggests this may have been a spreader for a side-valve Cadillac V8, which required a rather specialized shape.
Title: Re: Spreader of what ?
Post by: rustyric on May 04, 2018, 08:34:46 AM
Still in production (BSA M21) no wonder the british motorcycle industry failed.
Title: Re: Spreader of what ?
Post by: Bill Houghton on May 04, 2018, 10:11:52 AM
Quote from: rustyric on May 04, 2018, 08:34:46 AM
Still in production (BSA M21) no wonder the british motorcycle industry failed.
Harley produced the side-valve/flathead 45 engine from 1929 to 1973 (21 raging horsepower from roughly 750 cc's) - yet Harley's still in business.  That BSA motor's kind of intriguing, but I wouldn't go out of my way to own one.