Stuck on valve seals

OK, I have pulled off the tappets & shims, split keepers, spring retainers, both sets of springs and the valves, but for the life of me I cannot get the valve oil seals and spring seats to do anything other than turn. Is there a special tool or trick to this? I have a new set of Viton oil seals that I really want to put in but I'm pretty stalled out here.

~Lost in the woods

use a pick on the seals and a magnet on the seats.
or a pair of needle nose pliers if your careful.

just be sure to lube the new ones with a light coat of oil and make sure they are seated right.

I think the flat seats are basically round washers and they "stick" because of liquid surface tension of residual oil. You could try:

Take acetone spray (brake cleaner) and hose the living crap out of them to get every bit of oil off.

Then use double sided sticky tape on the end of a pen or pencil and try to stab it to the outer edge of the washer and try to lift it loose.

I had to do that to get the lifters to come out of my head, and I was able to drag them out that way.

I tried needle nose pliers but was afraid of scratching the valve guide, so I pulled on just the rubber to no avail. Maybe a razor to cut up the side of the seal? Anywho, the new ones will just press in or will I need to tap on them?

The valve stem seals you basically ruin by pulling off with a needle-nose...don't be gentle:) the spring seats will come out with a small automotive magnet (the type with a collapsible handle). The new viton seals merely press on (with your fingers), and rather easily at that.

sometimes they can be a pain to get off, I have even had to use a small file to cut into the seal then pry it off

Use a dental-pick.You can get them at most auto-stores.They usually come in a kit,and one of them will be hooked...use that one to snag the edge of the seal...and pick away.
And yes,they will fall apart as you pick at them,but don't worry,because You DO have new ones,which is good.
As mentioned...don't be too gentle.
Just be sure to clean up that area before re-assembling.

Yep, get a pick set. Get the hook in from the bottom and they should pull right out. Then use the magnet for the seats.

If you don't have the seal pulling tool, you can just use a needle nose pliers. Stick one side through the hole in the seal then pull it off to one side and push it down the outside of the guide. Then close it and pull the seal right off.

Jay

WOW Thanks guys for all the replys. I just so happens I do have a pick that will work. Strange I didnt think of using it. More project pics on the way...