Hi Bob,
    First thanks for your time and talented response. I think I have seen
you post a problem with the valves in amc heads but ignored it until I saw
the soft valve problem first hand. Your sage advise is appreciated.
Actually we are lucky,  if a valve had let  go it will most likely cause
serious if not catastrophic problems with the engine.
    I would suggest anyone out there with amc heads consider replacing the
exhaust valves at the earliest possible time.  What a bummer, just when you
think you have your head problems under control with new amc heads soft
valves enter the scene.  These heads have 60k miles and the engine is
running perfectly.
Darrell

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Donalds" <bostneng@FCL-US.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2000 2:52 PM
Subject: VALVE RETAIER

> Darrel
> saw your post about the retainer hitting the rocker
> the grooves that the keepers sit in are wiped out the valve wont brake
> but the heads need to come off and the valves need to be replaced
> also the valve spring is longer when the retainer shifts down the valve
> so you have lost valve spring pressure
> the short term cure is to shim the rocker arm if possible and extend the
> screw
> .030 would be alot to shim but I would start there
> good luck
> Bob
>