This tool review popped up in my notifications feed two days ago. Because of that I assumed it was a new post. Nice coincidence as I was in the middle of wrestling with those pesky valve retainers and wanted a better tool for the job. My existing tools are from years ago and won't work on the '09 Subaru Outback XT EJ255 heads currently undergoing a rebuild. (spun rod bearing on #2 journal) I found the local O'Reilly had the tool kit in stock for $88 !! :-O But they price matched ($55) when I brought in a long, printed out, list of online stores which happened to include Walmart. They only match prices with other brick-n-mortar sellers. The next day my valve retainers were easily installed and I was on to the next task. So thank you for doing what you do! Even your work from four years ago is still making a difference and continuing to help people! David G. Houston, TX.
Thanks guys. Just bought one for my ej25 rebuild. I've watched a ton of your videos and saved thousands in repair bills and been able to help my soobie friends. Really appreciate the videos you put out!
Perfect timing! Been thinking about picking up one of these. Lots of aging Toyotas in my family that are getting due for valve seals, exhaust valves, etc. Glad to see a review from someone that knows his stuff-thanks!
I bought the Matco rebranded set from my Matco tool dealer and it does work.Faster than using the using the special valve spring compressor.Used it on a 2.3 Mazda cylinder head taking out the intake valves.Saves time finding the keepers that get lost real easy.Real easy to use.
This is an old video! But my 3UZ heads look almost identical to this. Will be doing a stem seal replacement this spring and this looks like it will make the job much easier. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the video. You guys make it look so easy. The tool came with almost no directions. Without your video I wouldn't have been able to figure out how to use it. However, I do have one comment about "if a pregnant lady can do it, anyone can". I had to lean my entire body weight and bounce on it a bit to get the keepers to snap into place. I figure I must have been applying at least 100 pounds. It was giving blisters on my palm, so I used a horizontal wooden bar to push against the tool. Thinking it might be the rag compressing a bit, I also tried placing a metal object under the valve; that didn't improve anything, but only ended up scratching part of head surface. This is a Kia Rio. May be its springs are under greater compression. In any case, great instructional video!
I bought the tools a few days ago, and looking through for just the show and tell you so graciously shared. Thanks for th show I really appreciate it. Lucky guy!..
lol, i found this video to remind myself how to use these tools. I had one for 3 years and now doing a subaru EJ255 engine and forgot entirely how to install the damn valve retainers using this thing. Thanks for the reminder!
Lisle have a well deserved reputation for quality tools. I like their invitation to mechanics on the back of some packaging, asking for new ideas from guys on the front line. Innovation is the foundation of any great company.
Good video, have ordered one to replace valve stem seals on my son's '95 corolla, without ,hopefully ,removing the head. Landed in Ireland , the price comes in at 71 euro, most excellent!
great for stock strength springs on 4cyl and v6. some stock v8 might be a little heavy to press down. someone should make an adapter for a spring compressor, fit on the end and use the same method to drop the keepers in place.
Thank you Brian and Spanky for the awesome tool review video. I just purchased the keeper tool and can't wait to get it in the mail. Your video's are extremely helpful and I enjoy learning more and more from each of your video's. God Bless you for all that you do.
Congrats Spanky I hope that the pregnancy goes well. We will certainly understand if you take some time off. Brian, thanks for that great product review.
Great review and what differentiates you guys, gals and baby is your not some talking head in a fancy studio who reviews tools they never use, I like the average Joe approach and really using the tool, even the slight mistakes are good because they keep me from making them later.....love It! Why cant Lisle make a video like this.
As a Dad and regular guy, I gotta say Women are most beautiful when with Child, you are Glowing! Have a happy birth-day which has probably long past. This was baby's first valve job!
Hello from Brazil, Brian and your friend. Those videos are pretty kool. I m investing on sales of speacialty tools, so those videos help to find our what our local manufactures still dont have on their line. Yep, I ve lived in Utah..... its a great place.
Congrats Momma Spanky! So great to see you on the videos, but we understand you being off those feet and resting that back! My wife saw this video, and feels for you, you are just about ready to pop! Take care Spanky and congrats again!!
Cool tool. I am looking to get into 3 heads in the next year. Do not know yet if I will have to actually pull the valves. I like your videos. I am a shade tree mechanic. Grew up on the farm and have done a lot of work on my own equipment and some air cooled VW motor work for other people. I like your style. keep it up.
On a toyota 1zz-fe with the keepers recessed down in the spring cap like this I was having a good deal of trouble getting the keepers to drop in place. I was using a magnetic parts tray to hold the parts and tools and it seems as though the installer head was becoming "too" magnetized and hanging on to the keepers instead of letting them fall in. I ran the tool head across the back of a speaker magnet to demagnetize it and things seemed to go a lot better. Just a hint for folks who might be fighting with this tool.
I saw this tool used to do valve stem seals without seperating the head, but just like the showed you gotta stuff like a length of rope into the spark plug hole then turn the engine over to brace everything
Thanks for the great video - one comment in case this helps anyone I was having some trouble initially with the keepers repeatedly not seating correctly, and eventually I came to the conclusion that if I pushed from the back of the tool as much as possible, instead of using both hands to grip it, that it naturally went on straighter and worked better I also did it in the engine compartment, which made it harder, but anyway, hope that helps someone
"On the rag", good one! Another good video by both of you. I just got an IPA 7884 Disk Brake System Analyzer for my birthday from my daughters. If you have one sitting around how about a tutorial on using it. Haven't been able to find one on youtube.
it can be done this way but you can also fill the cylinder with something like nylon rope then turn the crank to compress the rope. Its a little more fiddly but its more reliable on the off chance you loose air pressure the valve wont fall.
They are actually quite easy. I live in the suburbs too and I love having them. They are a bit more work when they are baby chicks, but it's easy. Like I said, I'll do videos on it in the coming month!
Grease on the collets when assembling is also good, sticks them in there. Nice tool though, will it work with shop air keeping the valves closed via the spark plug. At least Baby Sparkie is going to learn how to fix cars.
would this tool work if the head was on still on the vehicle, with the cylinder pressured up, to say change the valve seal, or is this not that kind of application?
Does the head of the spring loaded nipple on the installer part have to be no wider than the shaft of the valve in order to work? I'm not sure how it works this part but it's not working for me. How does it get the keepers to fit around the valve shaft?
Thank you for the helpful video, is the valve keeper the same as a valve stem? And can I keep the valve housing while changing the valve stem thanks you.
congrats on your future new born spanky, wishing you well through the remaining time. If you or your husband are/would pass out a cigar I would love one, sadly though i live in New Hampshire. Take care
quick question, say i'm replacing valve stem seals, and have shop air in in the engine to keep the valves up. Can you use this tool? example being the hammer method.
Very helpful. I have been in the shop for 14 yrs as a trans tech. I haven't seen one of these tools. And where can I find a pretty girl like Spanky to come work for me in my shop? Thanks guys 👍
Came here cuz Ive had one of these tools for years and its worked good. But on the last couple of ohc heads i cant get it work on the reinstall. seems like the springs are too strong.
Would this tool work on a 5.7 hemi with the head still on the block (and still in the truck for that matter)? either with rope or 40~ psi of air? the comp cams hemi valve spring compressor is NLA.
Thank you for making this video. Is there a way to use this tool with the head still on the vehicle? I'm battling some misfire codes on my GX470 and it could be a broken spring (internet research, I haven't looked in there yet). I would really like not to take the head off but I don't know how I would be able to take a spring out without dropping a valve into the cylinder. Thanks
Nope. I paid for the tool- used it for a few months and shared what I thought of it. Ads are short and one sided and are sponsored. This showed difficulties, benefits etc.
Hey Spanky hope it all goes well for you, you are doing a wonderful thing. Brian, have you retired your valve clamps or do you still need to use a clamp on occasion?
Just make sure that if you do the rope trick you leave one of the loose ends sticking out of the sparkplug hole. If not your going to spend some time fishing the rope out of the cylinder. I won't say how I know that...LOL.
This tool review popped up in my notifications feed two days ago. Because of that I assumed it was a new post. Nice coincidence as I was in the middle of wrestling with those pesky valve retainers and wanted a better tool for the job. My existing tools are from years ago and won't work on the '09 Subaru Outback XT EJ255 heads currently undergoing a rebuild. (spun rod bearing on #2 journal)
I found the local O'Reilly had the tool kit in stock for $88 !! :-O But they price matched ($55) when I brought in a long, printed out, list of online stores which happened to include Walmart. They only match prices with other brick-n-mortar sellers.
The next day my valve retainers were easily installed and I was on to the next task.
So thank you for doing what you do!
Even your work from four years ago is still making a difference and continuing to help people!
David G.
Houston, TX.
Thanks guys. Just bought one for my ej25 rebuild. I've watched a ton of your videos and saved thousands in repair bills and been able to help my soobie friends. Really appreciate the videos you put out!
I wish I had this tool for my EJ22 rebuild!
This video is what all "how to" videos should be. No wasted time or irrelevant info. THANK YOU.
Perfect timing! Been thinking about picking up one of these. Lots of aging Toyotas in my family that are getting due for valve seals, exhaust valves, etc. Glad to see a review from someone that knows his stuff-thanks!
Egg crates FTW. Also, cheap plastic ice cube trays from the dollar store can help you stay organized
I needed this today! Two of my keepers flew into another dimension. I’ll be buying this ASAP. Awesome awesome video.
Right on! That's why these tool reviews are so fun. I don't review everything- just the tools I buy that I like and aren't as common or well known.
Ordered the tool set today; my wife can't wait to use it! Thanks for the video. Once she saw how easy it was, she couldn't wait to try it.
It works fine for that with rope in the cylinder (soft nylon) and rotate crank to bind.
You're a smart cookie!!!💯👍saved me from removing head thanks!!!
I bought the Matco rebranded set from my Matco tool dealer and it does work.Faster than using the using the special valve spring compressor.Used it on a 2.3 Mazda cylinder head taking out the intake valves.Saves time finding the keepers that get lost real easy.Real easy to use.
This is an old video! But my 3UZ heads look almost identical to this. Will be doing a stem seal replacement this spring and this looks like it will make the job much easier. Thanks for sharing!
I just bought a 2004 Accord with jumped timing chain.
Used this same tool to install new intake valves.
This tool works amazing! Worth every penny.
Thanks for the video. You guys make it look so easy. The tool came with almost no directions. Without your video I wouldn't have been able to figure out how to use it. However, I do have one comment about "if a pregnant lady can do it, anyone can". I had to lean my entire body weight and bounce on it a bit to get the keepers to snap into place. I figure I must have been applying at least 100 pounds. It was giving blisters on my palm, so I used a horizontal wooden bar to push against the tool. Thinking it might be the rag compressing a bit, I also tried placing a metal object under the valve; that didn't improve anything, but only ended up scratching part of head surface. This is a Kia Rio. May be its springs are under greater compression. In any case, great instructional video!
Different cars have different strength valve springs
Y'all are awesome!! You have an awesome wife. I hope she is doing good with the lil one! Thank you for sharing this AWESOME TOOL!!
I bought the tools a few days ago, and looking through for just the show and tell you so graciously shared. Thanks for th show I really appreciate it. Lucky guy!..
lol, i found this video to remind myself how to use these tools. I had one for 3 years and now doing a subaru EJ255 engine and forgot entirely how to install the damn valve retainers using this thing. Thanks for the reminder!
I've been debating on doing an ej20 head swap on my 99 ej25 block to be able to run boost.
Lisle have a well deserved reputation for quality tools. I like their invitation to mechanics on the back of some packaging, asking for new ideas from guys on the front line. Innovation is the foundation of any great company.
WOW!!!!
CANT BELIEVE NOBODY ELSE THOUGHT OF THIS TOOL! SIMPLE GENIUS!
I have to make one.
Good video, have ordered one to replace valve stem seals on my son's '95 corolla, without ,hopefully ,removing the head. Landed in Ireland , the price comes in at 71 euro, most excellent!
I like it for removing springs...hate it for installing them. If you're running heavy springs...forget it.
yes your are correct.. it happen to me too..
Happening to me right now
great for stock strength springs on 4cyl and v6. some stock v8 might be a little heavy to press down. someone should make an adapter for a spring compressor, fit on the end and use the same method to drop the keepers in place.
Thank you Brian and Spanky for the awesome tool review video. I just purchased the keeper tool and can't wait to get it in the mail. Your video's are extremely helpful and I enjoy learning more and more from each of your video's. God Bless you for all that you do.
Congrats Spanky I hope that the pregnancy goes well. We will certainly understand if you take some time off.
Brian, thanks for that great product review.
Used a tool similar to that in the 70's on E type Jag heads. No other compressor would do it as the valves were so deep in those pockets.
Removal yes super fast and efficient. Installation on valve stems that extend past the keeper plate, like on the 2.7L Dodge charger, no.
Heard u could install the keepers on the block if u run compressed air into the spark plug hole.
Why not use valve spring compressor on this tool? No rag. Holds chamber side of valve.
Don't have to he-man it on?
I just love your togetherness! Don't think it's a word but it's your word! Thanks alot guys. Really great demo. Just what I wanted to see.
Great review and what differentiates you guys, gals and baby is your not some talking head in a fancy studio who reviews tools they never use, I like the average Joe approach and really using the tool, even the slight mistakes are good because they keep me from making them later.....love It! Why cant Lisle make a video like this.
As a Dad and regular guy, I gotta say Women are most beautiful when with Child, you are Glowing! Have a happy birth-day which has probably long past. This was baby's first valve job!
Hello from Brazil, Brian and your friend. Those videos are pretty kool.
I m investing on sales of speacialty tools, so those videos help to find our what our local manufactures still dont have on their line. Yep, I ve lived in Utah..... its a great place.
Best video for explaining how this tool works.
Impressed, you know your stuff and cute to boot! Good luck with the baby!
Nice tool. Once tried to do this without tool and spent whole day on doing this to all 16 valves. oh, and the keepers? They were flying everywhere!
They work FANTASTIC to remove any keeper, they are equally good for installing keepers with a rib at the top, and BAD for mid rib keepers.
Congrats Momma Spanky! So great to see you on the videos, but we understand you being off those feet and resting that back! My wife saw this video, and feels for you, you are just about ready to pop! Take care Spanky and congrats again!!
TOYOTA V6 is a pain to do, especially the rear bank next to FIRE WALL. Still a great video and lovely pregnant lady.
FIRST!!!!!
SPANKY + BRIAN = #1 MECHANICS ON UA-cam!
Cool tool. I am looking to get into 3 heads in the next year. Do not know yet if I will have to actually pull the valves. I like your videos. I am a shade tree mechanic. Grew up on the farm and have done a lot of work on my own equipment and some air cooled VW motor work for other people. I like your style. keep it up.
4:15 I use a heavy rubber mallet. Super easy.
got mine off ebay truong it now on a s80 volvo .praying it works better than my old setup.
You would think there would be detailed instructions on how to use the thing lol but thank you so much! Life saver
On a toyota 1zz-fe with the keepers recessed down in the spring cap like this I was having a good deal of trouble getting the keepers to drop in place. I was using a magnetic parts tray to hold the parts and tools and it seems as though the installer head was becoming "too" magnetized and hanging on to the keepers instead of letting them fall in. I ran the tool head across the back of a speaker magnet to demagnetize it and things seemed to go a lot better. Just a hint for folks who might be fighting with this tool.
Pretty cool tool! I never realised these even existed....
I saw this tool used to do valve stem seals without seperating the head, but just like the showed you gotta stuff like a length of rope into the spark plug hole then turn the engine over to brace everything
Thanks! The valve spring keeper removal is SO much easier with the hammer.
Thanks for the great video - one comment in case this helps anyone
I was having some trouble initially with the keepers repeatedly not seating correctly, and eventually I came to the conclusion that if I pushed from the back of the tool as much as possible, instead of using both hands to grip it, that it naturally went on straighter and worked better
I also did it in the engine compartment, which made it harder, but anyway, hope that helps someone
"On the rag", good one! Another good video by both of you.
I just got an IPA 7884 Disk Brake System Analyzer for my birthday from my daughters. If you have one sitting around how about a tutorial on using it. Haven't been able to find one on youtube.
Brian great video, congrats to Spanky on the baby.
it can be done this way but you can also fill the cylinder with something like nylon rope then turn the crank to compress the rope. Its a little more fiddly but its more reliable on the off chance you loose air pressure the valve wont fall.
Coool!! kinda suspenseful when she was layin into that valve. Thanks for showing me how.
They are actually quite easy. I live in the suburbs too and I love having them. They are a bit more work when they are baby chicks, but it's easy. Like I said, I'll do videos on it in the coming month!
5:35 is the best part seeing the tool in action!
Thanks! The chemicals are just another reason to have to take a break from the shop!
Vibration can be from worn out or improper installing rod bearings too
Congratulations, Spanky! Here's to a happy, healthy child.
Gonna do valve stem seals on my Miata soon. This should make the job a snap.
Acongrats on the new addition to your family spanky.
I know, right?! Yeah, I can... depending on the ground clearance! It's harder to get up off the floor though!
this reminds me of a VW head I took one apart for scrap and used a socket & whacked it with a hammer. but thats a cool tool
Grease on the collets when assembling is also good, sticks them in there. Nice tool though, will it work with shop air keeping the valves closed via the spark plug. At least Baby Sparkie is going to learn how to fix cars.
If the head is still on, compressed air is the best
totally buying one of these. my head has these kinds of recessed springs with bucket lifters.
+DrRawley this thing worked great. got all my valves out in about an hour.
Thanks for the demo. These seem to be the same tools as Snap-on's GA318a ($64.35) and GA317($42.90).
I never used this tool with the head on and compressed air, is that possible?
There were two tools in that kit, Is the 2nd one just for a bigger size valve stem setup? What applications would I need the Lisle 36050 vs 36200?
Thanks..Can you do a video on adjusting bucket valves with shins ?
Great tool review Brian and Spanky that thing makes easy work of the job. Spanky good luck with the new baby :)
Thx I now own this tool, using a valve spring compressor was a nightmare on my EJ25 :D
would this tool work if the head was on still on the vehicle, with the cylinder pressured up, to say change the valve seal, or is this not that kind of application?
Egg carton! Yes.... Good idea. Thank you
Thanks! I really appreciate that! I'll be trying to do some videos on my channel in the meantime... probably about raising chickens!
Does the head of the spring loaded nipple on the installer part have to be no wider than the shaft of the valve in order to work? I'm not sure how it works this part but it's not working for me. How does it get the keepers to fit around the valve shaft?
Nothing as good as a valve job done right.
Thank you for the helpful video, is the valve keeper the same as a valve stem? And can I keep the valve housing while changing the valve stem thanks you.
Hi Spanky... Congrats on the Little one.!!!
Amen brother!
thanks for this demo, ive recently brought a lisle keeper tool. Hopefully should work well.
congrats on your future new born spanky, wishing you well through the remaining time. If you or your husband are/would pass out a cigar I would love one, sadly though i live in New Hampshire. Take care
If you are using compressed air instead of a rag to hold the valve, how many psi should you use?
Thank you for taking the time to do this it helped.
Just a question.. can this tool be used on big blocks 454 , hemi 350 etc?
quick question, say i'm replacing valve stem seals, and have shop air in in the engine to keep the valves up. Can you use this tool? example being the hammer method.
Very helpful. I have been in the shop for 14 yrs as a trans tech. I haven't seen one of these tools. And where can I find a pretty girl like Spanky to come work for me in my shop? Thanks guys 👍
Came here cuz Ive had one of these tools for years and its worked good. But on the last couple of ohc heads i cant get it work on the reinstall. seems like the springs are too strong.
thanks for the video, that was a lovely demonstration, I clicked on the Like button. thanks for all you do.
Thanks!
Would this tool work on a 5.7 hemi with the head still on the block (and still in the truck for that matter)? either with rope or 40~ psi of air? the comp cams hemi valve spring compressor is NLA.
So my valve springs are pretty far recessed...this is probably what I need right? The little handheld AND the overhead do not work on mine.
Probably so.
Where’s this guy been?
Thank you for making this video. Is there a way to use this tool with the head still on the vehicle? I'm battling some misfire codes on my GX470 and it could be a broken spring (internet research, I haven't looked in there yet). I would really like not to take the head off but I don't know how I would be able to take a spring out without dropping a valve into the cylinder. Thanks
Nope. I paid for the tool- used it for a few months and shared what I thought of it. Ads are short and one sided and are sponsored. This showed difficulties, benefits etc.
Brian! Any tips of using this tool with a head that's on the block? Fill the combustion chamber with compressed air?
thanks for sharing this helps me a lot and I'm sure it helps so many there as well. Awesome
great vid. This will be helpful when I tear down my heads next week.
Interesting tool and good video. Assuming this won't work on vehicle with air holding valve up. Have you tried it on vehicle?
Hey Spanky hope it all goes well for you, you are doing a wonderful thing.
Brian, have you retired your valve clamps or do you still need to use a clamp on occasion?
Just make sure that if you do the rope trick you leave one of the loose ends sticking out of the sparkplug hole. If not your going to spend some time fishing the rope out of the cylinder. I won't say how I know that...LOL.
This couple FTW!!!!!! awesome company. God Bless...... wondering if this would work with a 3MZFE LExus 330 series motor
Brian, will this tool work on car, with compressed air holding up the valves? If so I must have this!!!!!!!!!!!
Would it work on a mounted engine?
I have a mazda 626 1995 DX 4 cylinder. Does this tool work for my car?
Thanks guys. Great video