I need your help locating a valve spring retainer. This is for a 440 using stock valves(3/8 stems). I purchased a set of Elgin valve springs part#9907s. They have an outer dia of 1.504 and an inner dia of 1.090. This is a single spring with a dampner.
The problem is I cannot locate the correct Elgin retainer(ER3985) and I can't seem to find another brand that is a great fit. Comp has one that has a 1.4 O.D and a 1.060 I.D. I am just wooried this is going to "walk" around on the spring.
Do you folks have any suggestions ona retainer that will work or should I just abandon these springs and find something else?

HELP!!!!



UPDATE....
I spoke with Elgin Industries today and to me, their response was UNBELIEVABLE!!!! I explained that I had bought their valve springs, a spring that is listed in their catalog and is a current part, but was having a problem locating a retainer to fit it. The person there started out very helpful and provided me with the part#(see above). I asked if that part was available and if so from where. I was told that the retainer is NOT available and WILL NOT be available. Now this spring appears to be somewhat odd in its dimensions and I explained that I had tried to locate an alternate retainer but that because of the dimensions could not. They told me they were sorry but thats just the way it is. I asked if they could explain how they were selling a spring that works only with their retainer but they don't make the retainer? again they told me that was just the way it was and they suggested I find another spring and matching retainer because they could not help me.
Now, Elgin is a big company and has been around for a long time. How could they do business like this? This is just beyond my understanding. You can bet though, I will NEVER knowingly do business with them or with the distributor(on ebay)again. The distributor, will not allow me to return this springs and , they do have good feedback and are a "power seller".

I just do not know what to think or do about this.

ttt

Use the comp retainer?

If I understand you correctly, you are worried about a spring with a 1.060" ID and a retainer with a 1.040" OD (in the spring fit area)? Clearance would be 0.020" on the diameter? I wouldn't worry about it. IMHO, that's not excessive clearance. If it would make you feel better, get hold of Elgin and get the dimensions (or better yet a drawing) of the Elgin retainer. I'll bet the dimensions are not far off from the Comp retainer.

what cam are you using these on ?

contact member fast68plymouth and ask him what he would do, use

Thanks for all the responses. I will try to explain better. Elgin will provide me with nothing other that saying the needed retainer has a 1.5 O.D. to match the 1.5 O.D of the spring. The spring has a 1.090 I.D. Comp has a retainer with the correct 1.5 O.D. but, it has a 1.095 I.D., won't fit. Comp also has a retainer with a 1.4 O.D. which is smaller than the O.D. of the spring and it has a 1.060 I.D. This spring will fit but, it does not cover the entire spring and the I.D. 030 This will fit but, will it walk around on the spring too much? I don't want anything coming loose or dropping a valve.
Elgin has been completely unwilling/unable to help. How/why do they sell a valve spring that they don't make a retainer for?

Thanks.

well, some options sold at summit:
crower, 1.5OD, 1.080 ID (middle spring step)

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail...mp;autoview=sku


1.5" OD, 1.060 ID by
Crane, Comp, Trick Flow, Ford Racing parts:

http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch....+115+4294789267