Can someone tell me the trick to removing the valve keepers on the exhaust valves? The ones on the intake valves are clearly visible, but when I compress the spring on the exhaust valves the valve and the ring on top of the spring act like they are attached. I have blocked the valve so it doesn't drop out of the head but then all that happens is the spring scrunches p and the ring and the valve stem don't separate. What am I missing here?

Help?

Put a socket on top of the retainer and give it a whack with a hammer. When you compress the spring the keepers will fall out. If you practice, you will be able to knock the keepers out and catch the retainers without hurting yourself.

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Sounds tricky, but fun! I'm going to have to try that. Thanks!

The keepers get wedged into the retainer over time / use.
Just smack the retainer with a hammer to cock it sideways and that should free things up.
DD

Thanks again!

Okay! Valve stem seals are replaced! Thanks again Doug and Dennis!

Heres a little tip for other first timers: On my head the valve retainers (big fat washer on top of the spring) and the keepers (little semi-circle wedges that hold the big fat washer on the valve stem) had become tightly wedged together and wouldn't easily separate. So I too a 13/16th socket and my trusty 8 ionch c-clamp and put one end of the clamp on the valve and the other end (pushing the socket) over the retainer and compressed it until I heard the keepers pop out of the retainer. That helped a bunch.

Here's a second tip: DON'T USE CHEAPO LEVER ACTION VALVE SPRING COMPRESSORS!!! I did and it broke on the intake valve to cylinder #5. It took my an hour and a half just to finish the last two valves because the spring on the valve spring compressor was worn and the jaws kept slipping out of the springs. Use quality tools and you will be happier and done sooner.

Another extremely useful tool is a telescoping magnet. You know, the little ones that collapse down to the size of a ballpoint pen. Makes removing and installing the keepers MUCH easier.

Anyhow, thanks again! This spare parts mule motor is starting to come together now.

i used a pair of hemostats.
a must have tool for any toolbox