Overhead style valve spring compressor

I am getting ready to buy a valve spring compressor and have read that most of the C clamp style ones out there are pretty flimsy, so I was wondering if anyone has had any experience using the overhead style valve spring compressors on MG’s?

Has anyone ever used a valve spring compressor like either of these? Is there enough room to use them on an MGB head?
They seem to be a little more solidly made than the clamp style ones and you are supposed to be able to use them without having to remove the head.

Or this type?

I have one like your first photo. Used it on single and double valve springs on my two Bs as well as a small block ford. It's a lilttle slow, but considering how often you are likely to use it, it's OK. Plus, you can use it with the head on the block, where the C-clamp types won't work.

Wayne

Matt I have one very similar to the one in the first photo. It works, it is a little tricky pressing valve seals on because you have to reach between the forks. Never tried it with the head on but I guess if you keep the valve from dropping down it would work. I have seen my dad float a valve with a air compressor and do them with the head on.

In the first picture it looks like the K&D brand sold by NAPA,,had one since the 70s works great and durable also used on VWs ,,TRs ,,MGs,,AHs.
Still have an old craftmans from the 50s a big
c-clamp type,,not real handy to use.
With the K&D you can change springs ,,seals
without rem the head ..

The biggest issue with MGB heads is if they still have the o ring vale seals, they jam themselve up in the bottom of the spring retainers and turn hard, then when you go to use a noraml valve spring compressor, it strians the crap out ot it trying to break loose the crusty old o ring (what a lousy design those o rings seals were) so I have a hug set of C clamp, I use them along with appropriate size sock to set over the retianer, and compress it just enough to fell the spring break loose of the o ring, which dopes not remove the collets (keepers) but then a regualr valve spring compressor will do,the trick nicely. My valve spring compressor (well my favorite one anyway) is a unit I bough off Mini Mania a couple of decades agao, I modified it severla time to my liking. The key is to break the crusty old o ring seals loose first.

I have the type in the second picture. Don't get it. It's very tricky to use and definitely isn't suited to the MG valve springs, although it makes the whole process very exciting....for all the wrong reasons.

I have a Snap-On C-clamp type and love it. But I only use it for re-assembly. For disassembly, I just put a block of wood under the valve head, take a large, deep socket, put it on the retainer and smack it with a dead blow hammer. The wooden block keeps the valve from moving, the opening in the socket lets the keepers come out. Smack - you're done. Basil

The way to take the strain off any valve spring compressor is to give the collet a good hard whack with a light hammer before using the compressor. Hitting straight down on one edge of the collet one time breaks the crud sealing the keepers and collet together and frees the spring completely.