stuck valve shim

While Im working on the last 3, i figured id post this and see if anyone can offer some help. i got 4 of 8 shims out but the #1 exhaust is not wanting to come out. i am using the bucket retainer and a small screw driver to pry it up. any help? can't break the suction

 

Just got to get the small, thin screwdriver in that slot & twist, it will break free.

 

Yes I had the same problem with #4 intake on my XJ. 5 shims popped right up and I had them all out in about 25 minutes-most of my time was spent carefully rotating the lobes into place...then I met the little stinker! I finally got it out after what seemed like an eternity, about an hour or so of effort. Try moving the slot a little in one direction or the other - I started directly opposite, then about 10 degrees to either side, then 20 degrees which is where I finally got it to come out. When it came out the number was completely worn off and it had metal fatigue on the down side which had mated it to the lifter. Don't lose your patience just keep trying. I also used a few different small edged tools to get it to pop up and kept cleaning them to get a good bite on the shims edges.

 

Yes i finally got it! By the time i got to it i decided to try once more before i checked on my post and got it with a slight struggle.

THanks

 

I used a thin pocket knife when I had that problem....worked like a charm!