Big pump spring removal

[Saberwing40k]

I'm just wondering how one would remove the spring on a large pneumatic pump. Is there any way of doing this, preferably in a way that is reversible? Any help is appreciated, thanks!

P.S. the part is this. It's going to be used for a large compressor.

Edited July 20, 2012 by Saberwing40k

[matias bendtsen]

i have done it, but it is not perfectly straight when it goes back on, but it works fine.

but i cant remember how i removed it

[daniele]

Here's a 13 years old forum post with same question.

http://news.lugnet.com/technic/?n=1016

Edited July 20, 2012 by daniele

[Costas]

Just had a close look at one of my large pumps.

You can easily remove the spring simply by starting at the top of the plunger and grabbing the start of the spring with a small set of needle nose pliers.

Carefully undo the spring by pulling and rotating it backwards relative to the way it is 'wound' on.

To minimise excessive stretching and damage to the spring, ensure that you only pull on it the minimum amount to get it over and around the plunger's shaft ie do not pull on it to much, just enough to clear the plunger's shaft.