Valve Wizard

New Valve Wizard™ Dramatically Reduces Aero-engine Valve Maintenance Time
Patented valve spring compressor tool acts as ‘third hand’; pays for itself in one use. Models available for most Lycoming; Continental piston engines

(Hot Springs, Arkansas)…Certified aircraft maintenance engineer Jolly Higdon, president of Jolly Time Tools, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, has developed and patented a series of valve spring compressor tools for Lycoming and Continental piston engines. The tools allow mechanics the use of both hands to remove and replace springs, keepers, stems and guides, rocker arms, spacers, push rods, push rod housings and cylinder hold-down nuts.

The Valve Wizard™, mounted to the cylinder on-engine, allows easier access for removal of the parts and in turn, the removal of the cylinder from the crankcase. Valve Wizard’s most valuable asset is time saved on removal and replacement of the cylinders.

The tool was invented by Higdon after years of frustration using the typical lever bars for which constant pressure against the spring must be maintained by one hand, leaving just one hand to access the top-end parts. With Valve Wizard, the cylinders remain bolted to the crankcase while relieving the tension on the springs, saving several hours labor per engine.

Valve Wizard attaches firmly to the cylinder head by use of the rocker cover bolts on each cylinder. Threaded shafts compress the springs and maintain hands-free compression during the process. Both intake and exhaust valves can be worked on at the same time, reducing maintenance time significantly. The tool is designed to allow wide, unobstructed access to the springs, keepers and stems.

“On a typical 4-cylinder engine the time saved will pay for the tool first time out of the box,” says Higdon. “I approached the solution focusing on strength and simplicity, and the result is apparent. Injection-moulded, high-impact plastic with steel inserts and compressors, the Valve Wizard attaches quickly and allows full access to the keepers, guides and stems, on parallel and angle-valve engines.”

The Valve Wizard comes as a kit of three at a price of $389, or $149 each if ordered individually. The three models cover Lycoming IO-390, O-235, O-290, IO/O-320, IO/O-360, AEIO-360, O-435, IO-480, IO-540 series and Continental O-470, IO-470, IO-520, IO-550 and TSIO-520 series engines. The tools carry a comprehensive 2 year limited warranty.

The US Patent Office awarded a patent for the design in December 2006. Full production began in May. Tools can be ordered direct through www.valvewizard.com, or by 888-825-9493 (888-Val Wizd).

Higdon has been in the aviation and air ambulance, charter and cargo business since 1980. Airborne Flying Service, Inc. caters to an international clientele through its sizable fleet that comprises twin-engine propeller to Learjets. A subsidiary company, JollyTime Tools, Inc., has been formed to produce and market the Valve Wizard line of tools.

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Media contact: Gigi Higdon 888-825-9493 (888-Val Wizd)
PHOTOS Available

Valve Wizard Spring Compressor Tool
Applicability Chart

CONTINENTAL
IO-346
O-470
IO-470
IO-520
TSIO-520
IO-550

LYCOMING
IO-390
O-235
O-290
O-320
IO-320
O-360
IO-360
LO-360
TO-360
LTO-360
AEIO-360
VO-360
IVO-360
HO-360
HIO-360
IMO-360
O-540
IO-540
TIO-540
LTIO-540
AEIO-540
AIO-320
LIO-320
AEIO-320
IO-360
HIO-360
LHIO-360
IMO-360
LIO-360
TO-360
TIO-360
O-435
VO-435
TVO-435
GO-435
GO-480
IGO-480
GSO-480
IGSO-480
AEIO-540
IO-540
TIO-540
LTIO-540
IGO-540
IGSO-540
VO-540
TIVO-540
IO-720