[Jacques Reed]

Hi Alastair,

Interesting following your efforts to remove the valves.

Here is an interesting vintage tool, Australian made, by the Litchfield Tool Company of Sydney.

Similar to what you did by getting the valve up and sliding the "spoon" under the head to knock out the two halves.

I actually never used it as my engine is a '46 with the straight stems. Once the valves and springs were out a brass drift and a hammer got the solid guides out.

Added photo of homemade spring tool. No need to spend lots of money for an expensive commercially made pickle fork. I made one from a $5 pry bar (made from spring steel) how appropriate, with a notch ground in the end. May need to strategically place a block of wood behind it for a fulcrum but it worked for me.

Hope this is of some interest.

Cheers,