I Can't Compress The Valve Springs!

[Conker]

 

While I've got my head off I'm trying to change the valve stem seals. As the head is completely out of the vehicle I thought this would be an easy job.... Wrong!!!

The bucket tappets are out, so I can see the top of each valve, but the springs are SO tight, I can barely get them to move at all by hand. I've bought a spring compressor from Halfords (which has turned out to be too small anyway), but its still hand operated, so the springs won't budge.

What am I doing wrong (its a 16v by the way)??

[60fast]

should be strait forward if you have the right spring compressor. if they feel a little tight give each one a little tap on the spring retainer useing a sutible socket to free the collets up a little

[Mr Blue]

instead of a socket i used a metal tub and cut an access point to remove the collets.

a big G glap did the trick 

[Leon R]

On the right is the lever i used and even that had trouble as I had the same problem as you. But I did what 60fast said, get a sizeable socket to fit over the spring cap and give it a few taps until it gives, then use the spring compressor.