which loaner tool for valvespring compressing?

[JayJohnson600]

Which loaner valvespring compressor is best for the miata cylinder head?

Autozone only has the palm-size compressor, but it doesn't look like it will be able to work on the Miata valve springs and remove/reinstall the retainers.
I have seen the giant "C" compressors, but I think the retainer end won't fit into the location..

Jay Johnson

[AnthonyS]

If the head is on the car, you need a compressed air fitting for the spark plug hole and use the small spring compressor.

If the head is off the car, then use the big c spring one.

With the cylinder head on the car, you can also use the rope feed into the spark plug hole trick too. I've done all three of these methods at one time or another on various cars.

I much prefer the head off the car and the big c clamp compressor. I use a brass drift or hammer to give the valve retainer a little tap too. It'll free it from the keepers.