Stuck Ford V8 exhaust valves - help!

[david moore]

Thanks for the input re my sticking valves (they close on their own some of the time now!).

Common sense tells me that having got the engine out, heads off etc. it would be the right thing to get the valves out and at least cleaned up.
However, I have been very influenced by the Ford Flathead website ( http:www.vanpeltsales.com) which says how difficult it is to get the old style valves out.

I don't have the correct tool to lever the retainer tabs out but I can compress the spring with an old blunt screwdriver levered against the inside of the block - I pulled hard on the tab after compressing the spring but no movement. Should the tab just pull straight out once the spring force is removed - or is it recessed up into the valve guide and have to come "down and out"? I don't want to force it where it shouldn't go! Even when the tab is removed, presumably the valve guides have to be forced out by getting down alongside the (open) valve stem before the spring and the valve itself can be removed?

The manual isn't too helpful on these details!