Technical Johnson tool adjustable valve lifter

today i got my eBay johnson tool/adjustable lifter wrench.
After adjusting 3 lifters the tool broke
I want to build a better tool for this and i am sure somebody did this before.
Maybe somebody can show a pic to point me in the right direction.

Drilling holes in the engine blok is not a option at the moment since the engine is already in the car.

 

I would think a spanner wrench in the same style as a spanner wrench for a 4" grinder would work pretty well.

Something like this.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Toolzone-Spanner-115mm-Angle-Grinders/dp/B002NH0EFO

If I was in your situation, I would try making a tool like that.

 

I couldn't get them to even think about working on my 40'.

 

What? No jokes about a Johnson Tool?

 

I just borrowed a pair of vintage American made Johnson adjuster tools, worked awesome but had to give them back to the owner.

I too would love to find a well made pair.

I did however make a quick spanner type tool but it interferes with the actual adjusting of the lifter and simply does not work.

 

How is this for a homemade tool for lifters; given to me years ago(20 or so) by a ******** engine builder(FLATMOTORS of course)

 

View attachment 3300061 View attachment 3300060 How is this for a homemade tool for lifters; given to me years ago(20 or so) by a ******** engine builder(FLATMOTORS of course)

 

That makes a lot more sense than the Johnson ones.

 

A vintage hardened USA made Johnson took is the way to go BUT finding one is the hard part.

 

I have a set of original Johnson tools. Tried to use them and was not very successful...the lifter was too far down in the boss and motor was ***embled. Wasn't about to drill holes etc. I ended up (with the heads off) measuring the clearance with feeler gauge and subtracting the valve lash and setting the height with dial calipers (short version). You don't even need the guide in place, just hold the valve down with your thumb and check with feeler gauges. Motor went right on test stand and ran perfect (still does).

 

I thought of that too but i am sure it can be done with the right set of tools, i am now trying to get a original set of johnson tools.

 

i did the holes. works great every time!

i would go for the ´spannerwrenchstyle´ too