Valve spring retainer question

Hi,

Trying to do a low buck refresh of a '86 318 for an occasional use truck. I'm trying to replace the valve stem seals (heads on the block) with a spring compressor, but the retainers seem stuck in the spring keeper even with the spring compressed.

I'm thinking they are varnished in there with the oil and heat over the years. Anybody used any good techniques to grab the spring retainers to remove the valve spring? I'm using an air compressor to try to keep pressure in the cylinder (closing the valve), but can't win.

Is there some trick I don't know. Any help appreciated.

Thanks! JK

mity225@mchsi.com

I always whack the corner of retainer a few times with a small hammer to break them loose beforehand. It is common for them to be stuck.

Quote:

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I always whack the corner of retainer a few times with a small hammer to break them loose beforehand. It is common for them to be stuck.

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Works fine for me that way too. Never hurt anything either.