slipstream444

The service manual doesn't give one ... let alone any detailed instructions on how to determine if there's a problem with the retainers.
I asked Jeff if there was a spec a few months back and he said there's not a published one to his knowledge ... only that the keeper sit in it's appropriate position relative to the valve and retainer (and all valves show uniformity).
If someone has an undamaged valve and keeper laying around, perhaps they could measure the amount of valve stem that sits above keeper. This could give a rough number, even though a sprung valve under tension may sit with slightly less stem showing (perhaps not a measurable amount though). The keeper is recessed very slightly below the flush line of the retainer's face as well.

Billman250

I have the parts....I could set the keepers in various retainers, and post the height. I've got retainers with one single, almost undetectible crack, to ones with 4-5 full blow cracks...We could prolly come up with an approximate service limit. Even ones that look undamaged, look damaged when sitting next to a valve with a brand new retainer and keepers.

slipstream444

Once again Billman, You're the man!

David1

Here is a picture of the valve that looked like it was ready to drop. Notice the top of the valve stem.

Gernby

That one looks like the tip broke off. Did you find it anywhere in the engine?

David1

I did not do the work on it. The guys at Ganley did it. It does not feel rough though and is concave. It might have worn down. It did not look sunk in the retainer until they removed the cams. This was the one that was jamed up against the cam when I checked the clearences (even on the compression stroke) after my over rev. If there was a piece, it would have found its way to the pan, so no problem there and might have come out with the oil change.

Dezoris

Nice topic, aside from over-revving would anyone see cause for the retainers losing grip on the stems during normal wear?

David1

They will probably fatigue over time if you drive the car hard.

Dark_Sub_Rosa

I'm glad to see pics on this finally.. when all the talk came up about it a couple months ago I had just adjusted my valves and wasn't sure if there were any signs to look for. I remember if my retainer had been up on my valve stem like that I would have noticed as I was adjusting the valves.