Exhaust Springs

[Doug G.]

Has anyone found a reasonably easy way of pulling (and putting back) the exhaust springs. My 200# plus frame has a tough time getting enough pressure on them with a standard T handled spring puller.

Thanks

[FastEddieB]

I hook a chain over the loop and use a large screwdriver through a link and pull on that.

[Anticept]

http://www.harborfreight.com/pick-and-hook-set-7-pc-69592.html

 

Big hook for exhaust springs, little hook for carb springs (actually, I put the springs on THEN put the throttle and choke arms on, and vis versa. much easier)

 

The other picks are useful for checking paint cracking by lightly digging in and seeing if it's just surface marks or something more serious. If it's just surface stuff, then just use nail polish to fill it back over.

[Jacques]

I use a steel cable ~ 2' ,a small hook for the spring at one end and a T handle..

the flex cable permit better acces

[Doug G.]

There must be some difference in these springs. There is no way I could use your method Anticept.

The chain or cable methods are worth a try, though.

Thanks.

[Anticept]

The hooks are pretty long, so you can get a good angle on them for pushing down.

[BravoFoxtrot]

Here is a youtube on removing/replacing snowmobile exhaust springs:

 

 

Should work about the same on the CT.

[Doug Hereford]

A method I have used numerous times to install and remove springs is to take a tongue depressor and cut or break it into a bunch of pieces. Start at either end of the spring, and slip the pieces between each of the coils. This effectively lengthens the spring, usually to the point that it can be easily removed or installed. This also does not mar the spring as some tools can do.

Does not work for compression springs though.

 

Doug Hereford

[Anticept]

Clever with the tongue depressor pieces.

 

For compression springs, you can use a spring compressor, or for redneck engineering, use twine, zip ties, or ratchet straps

[FastEddieB]

That video is pretty much how I do it, but with chain and s-hooks.

 

Whatever works.

 

But my springs are a lot more robust than those in the video, or that fellow is a LOT stronger than me!

[Doug G.]

I used loop of safety wire and a large screwdriver. I got that tip from Kent Johnson in Stanton, MN.

[FlyingMonkey]

I usually just put a long screwdriver through the hook and pull it until it makes it over the exhaust attach point.  Takes some muscle, but not a crazy amount.

[Doug G.]

I think Roger has told me that there have been two springs used. One much stronger than the other. Mine are real bears to remove. I also have them in places where a long screwdriver, by itself, would not fit. Thus the safety wire.

[Anticept]

Sounds like they welded the attach points a little too high on the pipe.

[rookie]

Roger,

 

Would that include me!

 

al

[Jim]

Has anyone tried the spring install/remove tools used on the old automotive drum brakes?  Seems like that might work well.

[Doug G.]

If you mean the t-hook, yes. It would probably work if you added a bigger handle for leverage.

[Doug G.]

Still waiting for the picture, Roger.????

[Doug G.]

Yes, thanks. Next time I'll give that a try.