(Image/Wayne Scraba)

Special parts often require special tools.

For example, something like an adjustable crescent wrench has no place when it comes to setting valve lash! Which is no secret to anyone reading these pages, we’re sure.

Good examples of high-quality specialty parts and appropriate tools are those manufactured by Jesel. In some cases, you’ll need certain tools to ensure proper (and painless) installation, and in other cases, you’ll need the tools for general maintenance required for the parts in question. Sure, there might be “work-arounds,” but as most of you know, getting the right tool for the job can certainly make life easier in the garage or at the track.

Pushrod Length Checking Tool

One of those “getting it right” tools is Jesel’s pushrod length checking tool.

The basic body of the tool consists of three pieces of aluminum tubing. The tubing pieces measure 5 inches, 3 inches, and 1.5 inches in length.

On two pieces of tubing, one end is male and the other is female. On the third piece, both ends are female.

Each end is threaded (obviously). The outer ends accept a screw-in pushrod ball end. There is no oil hole, however there is a machined flat spot in the center of the ball ends that is approximately 0.140-inches in diameter to simulate the oil hole. In total, the tool is adjustable from 6 to 12 inches.

In operation, first make sure the lifter is on the base circle of the cam (opposite full lift).

Install the checking pushrod ensuring it is inside the cup of the lifter. Install the rocker pair. Snug the center bolt on the rocker pair. Next, adjust the end of the pushrod until you reach zero lash.

At this point, back off the adjustable pushrod nut until you obtain the lash (for the cam) you’re looking for. Next, unbolt the rocker pair and remove the adjustable pushrod. Using a long caliper, measure the pushrod. That measurement will tell you what pushrod length is required for your engine combination.

Valve Spring Removal/Installation Tool

When the time comes to install springs or to remove them from an on-engine cylinder head equipped with Jesel rockers, this is the tool to use. It mounts to the rocker stand where a rocker arm pair normally bolts to.

Before you go any further, be absolutely sure you have the piston at Top Dead Center and you have pressurized air going into the cylinder. If the valve drops then you’ll be forced to remove the head to retrieve the valve.

The Jesel valve spring removal tool allows you to easily compress the spring and then you can remove the keepers along with the retainer. Obviously, installation is similar. These beefy steel valve spring compressors have a gold iridate finish and the 12-inch-long handles are fitted with comfortable finger grips.

It all works to provide for solid, slip-free leverage and in return, you get quick, easy spring removal and replacement. The unique tools are available for most stand/shaft arrangements. Simply select the model designed to work with your specific shaft bolt spacing.

Sizing is based upon the bolt spacing for paired rockers.

Valve Lash Tool

Although you don’t have set lash as often with a shaft rocker it is still necessary. With Jesel’s valve lash tool, the box end is used to loosen the rocker lock nut while the Allen key is used to set the adjuster (for the lash).

The way the tool is shaped, the box end is L-shaped. The T-handle Allen key passes through the tool body making it extremely easy to use. Once the lash job is complete, tighten the lock nut. Keep in mind the lock nut should be tightened no more than 25 foot-pounds. Any more than that can damage the rocker.

Lower Pulley Driver

This is a very simple tool, but without it, you’ll be scratching your head trying to figure out how to install the lower pulley on a Jesel belt drive setup.

Essentially, it’s an aluminum driver that slips over the crank snout and is used for installation of the lower crank pulley. Here, the bottom pulley is first slipped onto the crankshaft. Then the driver is used to drive the pulley to the point where it stops against the crankshaft. It’s a simple device and works perfectly.

FYI, I typically use a dead blow hammer for the installation process.

When all is said and done, none of these tools are super-expensive. All of them are intuitive, all work seamlessly and none will cause damage to your high-end parts. Best of all, they work so well, you’ll save time in the shop and in the pits. For a closer look, check out the accompanying photos.

Today, there are a lot of different pushrod length checking tools on the market, but Jesel’s multi-piece tool follows the simple is good line of thought. As you can see the design allows you to set it up for almost pushrod length imaginable. (Image/Wayne Scraba)
With all of the segments installed, the pushrod length tool can reach 12-inches long. Given the multiple pieces used to make up the modular tool, it can also be used to check pushrods as short as 6 inches in length. (Image/Wayne Scraba)
Final adjustment for checking pushrod length is handled by the adjustable ball end. You’ll note each of the end is machined with a flat that mimics the oil hole found on many pushrods. See the text for info on how to use the tool. (Image/Wayne Scraba)
In race applications, it’s not uncommon to remove and replace valve springs in the pits. Obviously, a common C-clamp tool isn’t going to be too efficient since the cylinder head must be removed in order to use it. On the other hand, this tool from Jesel allows for easy valve spring swaps with the head in place.
The Jesel spring compressor tool mounts to the rocker stand in the same location as the rocker arm. (Image/Wayne Scraba)
In terms of use, the Jesel spring compressor makes changing even heavy springs easy. The handle is 12 inches long and it’s fitted with an ergonomic grip. See the text for more info. (Image/Wayne Scraba)
Yes, you can lash valves on a Jesel shaft system the old-fashioned way with a box end wrench, an Allen key and a good feeler gauge, but that’s always been a lot of things to juggle with two hands. This Jesel tool is a better idea. (Image/Wayne Scraba)
The way the Jesel tool is laid out, the main body is designed to grasp the lock nut while the T-style Allen key is used to turn the adjuster in or out. It’s a simple, brilliant design. (Image/Wayne Scraba)
Installing a lower pulley on a Jesel belt drive mandates the use of a special tool. Jesel’s pulley driver is a simple piece of equipment that’s both effective and inexpensive. (Image/Wayne Scraba)
A few quick taps with a dead blow hammer easily drives the pulley home (as shown here). There’s zero damage to the pulley and zero damage to the crank. See the online Summit Racing catalog for more info. (Image/Wayne Scraba)
Keywords
automotive tools, Jesel, product profile, Tools
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Author: Wayne Scraba

Wayne Scraba is a diehard car guy and regular contributor to OnAllCylinders. He’s owned his own speed shop, built race cars, street rods, and custom motorcycles, and restored muscle cars. He’s authored five how-to books and written over 4,500 tech articles that have appeared in sixty different high performance automotive, motorcycle and aviation magazines worldwide.