Bench Mount Head Assembly Tool, for VW Heads

OVERVIEW

Building a high-performance air-cooled engine requires more than just high-quality parts; it requires the right specialized equipment to ensure every component is seated with absolute precision. The EMPI Bench Mount Head Assembly Tool is a game-changer for any serious VW enthusiast or professional engine builder who understands that stability is the key to a perfect top-end build. Unlike portable C-clamp style compressors that can slip, mar surfaces, or require awkward positioning, this heavy-duty bench-mounted unit provides a rock-solid foundation for valve spring removal and installation. By securing the tool directly to your workbench, you gain the mechanical leverage and stability needed to compress even the stiffest dual-spring setups without the fatigue or frustration typical of lesser tools. It''s the cornerstone of a professional cylinder head workstation, allowing you to focus on the fine details of valve stem heights and keeper seating rather than fighting with the cylinder head itself.

Precision is paramount when you''re dealing with the cylinder heads of a Type 1 or Type 4 engine, where even a minor slip can lead to damaged valve stems or scored guides. This EMPI assembly tool is specifically engineered to handle the unique geometry of Volkswagen heads, ensuring that the downward pressure is applied evenly across the retainer. This balanced compression minimizes the risk of bending a valve or damaging expensive titanium or chromoly retainers during the assembly process. Whether you are performing a simple valve job, replacing worn seals, or prepping a set of high-lift CNC-ported heads for a weekend at the drag strip, this tool streamlines the workflow and ensures shop-grade results. Its robust steel construction ensures it will remain a staple in your garage for decades, providing the consistent, reliable performance that Appletree Auto customers have come to expect for their Beetle, Bus, or Ghia projects.

FITMENT

This bench-mounted tool is designed for a wide range of air-cooled Volkswagen cylinder heads, including but not limited to:

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle, Karmann Ghia, and Thing (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based engines).
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, and Kombi (1950-1971 with Type 1 upright engines).
• Volkswagen Type 3: Squareback, Fastback, and Notchback (1500cc and 1600cc).
• Volkswagen Type 4: 1700cc, 1800cc, and 2000cc engines (as found in 411, 412, and later Bus models).
• Off-Road Applications: Ideal for Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Baja Bugs utilizing VW-based engine architectures.
• Aftermarket Heads: Compatible with most EMPI, CB Performance, and AA Performance aftermarket cylinder head castings.

SPECS

The EMPI 00-5742-0 is built to withstand the rigors of a professional machine shop environment with the following technical specifications:

• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 00-5742-0
• Construction Material: Heavy-duty reinforced welded steel for maximum rigidity.
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant black powder coating for long-term durability in shop environments.
• Mounting Interface: Pre-drilled base plate for secure permanent mounting to workbenches or pedestals.
• Weight: Approximately 10 lbs, providing the mass needed for heavy-duty compression.
• Action: Lever-action compression handle for smooth, controlled valve spring depression.
• Adjustment: Threaded adjustment rod to accommodate various valve lengths and spring heights.
• GTIN: 707924328769

PRO TIPS

1. Master the "Tap" for Stuck Keepers

When you are dismantling a set of heads that have been in service for a long time, the valve keepers (locks) often become "wedged" into the retainer. Before you try to compress the spring with the EMPI tool, place a socket that is slightly smaller than the retainer over the valve stem and give it a sharp, light tap with a brass hammer. This "shocks" the taper and breaks the surface tension between the keepers and the retainer. Once you have broken that seal, the bench mount tool will compress the spring much more easily, and the keepers won''t go flying across the shop when you apply pressure.

2. Optimize Bench Placement for Leverage

To get the most out of this tool, mount it near the front edge of your workbench at a height that allows you to use your body weight on the handle. If the tool is mounted too high or too far back, you lose the mechanical advantage, making dual or triple springs feel much heavier than they are. Additionally, always use a small dab of assembly lube or clean engine oil on the valve stems before sliding them through the guides and installing the seals. This prevents the dry metal-on-metal contact that can cause micro-scratches on the stem during the assembly process, ensuring your new seals last as long as possible.

3. Use a Magnet and Light for Safety

Safety and organization are critical during head assembly. Always use a high-quality telescoping magnet to remove the keepers once the spring is compressed; never use your fingers to fish them out while the spring is under tension. If the tool were to slip, the force could cause serious injury. Furthermore, keep a bright LED work light pointed directly at the valve tip. This allows you to verify that the keepers are perfectly seated in the valve stem grooves before you slowly release the tension on the handle. A keeper that isn''t seated properly will result in a dropped valve and catastrophic engine failure the moment you fire up your VW.