Jammed valve shim nightmare

[Tanguero]

Everything has come apart readily enough while adjusting my valve clearances apart from one shim which is totaly jammed onto the end of the valve stem! Twisting, priying and gentle heat won't shift it at all. I am frightened to do anything too vigorous in case of damage to the valve or seat. Has anyone had any experience of this or have any suggestions as to what to try next?

[trackcar]

Ive never ever had a jammed shim, how odd. have you tried pulling on it with a VERY powerful magnet whilst lightly tapping the spring retainer with a small hammer? I don't like the idea of applying heat much .. failing that as you're in kent as julian64 if he's got any liquid nitrogen spare in his garage

[TT Tim]

Funnily enough I had a a shim stuck on one of the valve stem on a spare head.

I held the valve stem in mole grips with jaws wrapped in fuel hose and turned the shim off with another set of moles.

Good luck and be careful.

Tim

[Tanguero]

Thanks very much for the suggestions! I have finaly managed to get it off. In the end wrapping a bit of fine emery paper round it for traction, and a hefty mole grip managed to get it rocking a tiny bit. Then just keeeping working at it, did pay off in 4 hours....

The valve stem underneath looks completely normal but there is a line of burr inside the shim. I am not sure if that was jamming it or whether it happened as I was taking it off. There is no corresponding mark in the valve.

Now all I have to do is find some replacement shims...