Removing valves, what would MacGuyver do?

So, what's the MacGuyver way of removing valves, without resorting to $150 tools on Z1? I have c-clamps and the like. Someone know of a better, cheaper way? Bonus points if it involves chewing gum or duct tape.

if you have a c-clamp large enough take a cheap 3/4" socket and cut out part of it 1-2 flats for a 6pt with a die grinder and cut off wheel. use it to push the spring down and use a magnet to retrieve the keeper. works good.

Beat it with a mallet..

Go to local rental store and rent a valve spring compressor.

If you just want to remove them, the "beat it with a mallet" response is correct. You can take a socket that fits over the valve spring retainer and give it a good whack and as the spring compresses the vibration knocks the retainers loose and Voila! All apart. Just don't lose the retainers as you remove the socket.

Now I haven't figured out how to get 'em back in with a mallet...

Holy shite, I thought the hammer method was a joke. Not that I haven't thought about taking a hammer to my bike just out of frustration...

I have a large c-clamp, though no means to drill or cut a socket bit.

How would I get them back together is the real question now. Just trying to put in new valve stem seals.

Take a piece of pvc pipe and cut a section out to get the retainers out. The pvc should be about 2.5 inches long.

Remove your spark plug and feed small rope into the piston that is half way up on the compression stroke. Compress rope with piston.

When you are done back the engine up with the 17mm bolt on the ignition side.

Thanks for the tip. I will try a combination of all these techniques and report back as far as how badly I screw things up/ triumphantly replace my valve stem seals.

Got some PVC pipe, cut it and cut out a section. One last question: As far as using the c-clamp, is it safe to brace it against the valve? Seems like it could easily bend the flanges on the pipe. Maybe use something small and pointy to brace it against the inner part of the valve, i.e. the bottom of the cone?

Just crossing T's and dotting I's here.

Dude rent or buy a valve spring compressor. Save yourself time and trouble they are cheap. If you use that c clamp and bend or break something that will cost you big. Also you can take a paper clip some gum and duct tape mix charcol saltpeter. and blow the keepers off....

I got a cheapo spark plug socket and cut about a third of the side out. I use a wood clamp to tighten it down. Works like a charm. No need to buy or rent the "right" tool when you can make your own for about $5. I have used it 10 times or so without a problem.

This might help a bit. Personally, unless I see a picture, its all Chinese algebra to me.

1st, pic, you can see I cut out a section of white PVC pipe and cut slats in it to access the retainer. In the 2nd picture you'll see I cut out a wood wedge section to brace the inside of the valve bottom. My thinking was that if I used the flat end of the c-clamp against the outer flanged ends of the valve, they might bend. Does this sound about right? Or do I brace the end of the c-clamp against something other than the valve itself?

Thanks for all the responses.