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MG MGB Technical - Press for valve guide installation

I am considering removing and fitting valve guides myself. This is because I don't have a press but would like one so the money saved contributes to the cost of the press. Normal story when it comes to justifying new tools.

So the question is what rating of press do I need for changing the valve guides? I am looking at the hydraulic presses like the ones Machinemart sell. http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/categories/search/hydraulic-presses

Although I have a book with plans in it for making your own press using a bottle jack.

Also what is the difference in the rates of expansion/contraction? I am thinking of putting the head in the oven and the guides in the freezer when it comes to fitting, but is there any benefit in puting the assembly in either the oven or the freezer prior to removal?
David Witham

The 10 ton bench press is more than adequate.

However valve guides can easily be extracted & fitted using a piloted drift and a big hammer!
Chris at Octarine Services

Chris, thanks for the quick reply. Can you think of any other jobs on a B where 10 ton would not be enough?
David Witham

Hi David,

As Chris said. Also sticking the guides in the freezer a few hours before use also helps to install them.

Herb
H J Adler

I've been wanting to get a press for myself for some time.

Is 10 tons enough to press/install rear axle bearings?

Just wondering.
Daniel Wong

Yes. I have a 12 ton press that I initally purchased for reassembling 2 cycle motorcycle engine cases. It has been indespensible on many other projects including axle bearings. RAY
rjm RAY

I removed and replaced mine with some threaded rod, and a suitable collection of nuts and spacers. Just wind them out and back in again. As already mentioned, a few hours in the freezer probably helps when you fit them.

David
D Balkwill

I haven't found a job yet that needs more than 5/6 tons.

Half shaft bearings are a pain if you only have a bench press - requiring a bench with a hole cut in it!!
Chris at Octarine Services

David-
Yes, chilling the valve guides in a deep freeze prior to installing them is an old trick. Here's another: Spray the valve guides with WD-40 and seal them in a Ziplok bag prior to freezing them. That way moisture in the air can't form into frost on them and take up space before you press them in.
Stephen Strange

Thanks for the ideas.

Threaded bar sounds good. Although the diameters I have seen in the DIY sheds would be too great. I will look further.

I price the metal for a home made 10T press. It was a bit high so a bit of threaded rod would suit my budget.
David Witham

Hi David

Can you give me a call please.

Peter
peter burgess

This thread was discussed between 02/12/2009 and 08/12/2009

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