I'm having the hardest time getting those damn things back on the retainers! I even got the nice fancy snap-on valve spring compressor, which works fine, but those freakin keepers are magnetic and just hop every where ....any secrets on how to get those things back on???

 

Did the keepers somehow become magnetized? I actually use a magnetized screwdriver to place them on the valve stems. I've found that putting a few drops of Lucas oil additive (very thick, like honey) helps the keepers stick in the grooves. It's sticky enough to hold one-half while you try to put the other half one. Once both a sitting right, just slowly release the compressor. But I agree, they are a PITA, especially when the compressor slips off the retainer and stuff goes flying.

 

it's much easier when doing it with 2 people

the way i did mine was:
me compress the springs with the snap on tool and my dad installed the keepers.

it was still a PITA, but we got it done

 

put them in the retainers first, setup the compressor, stick your index finger to hold the retainer keepers in while you compress then keep pressing them with index finger, they wil slip in then release compressor .... that works best no need for fancy smancy tools, I do it in about 10mins for all 16 valves ... jsut snap on ohv spring crompressor and stuff a old rag into a ball and put inside cubsution chamber to keep valves from pressing down.

greg

 

Yes that was another thing I tackled early on...I'm using a cotton glove.