XJ550 valve adj: Can't get #2 exhaust lifter slot turned

Yeah, so the slot in the lifter is under the cam and I can't get it to rotate to the inboard side. 1, 3 & 4 spun easily just using finger pressure. Anyone else encountered this and have a solution? I really can't get anything under the cam into the slot to rotate it.

Thanks

 

Make a Tool.
DULL the "Teeth" on a set of sacrificial Channel-Locks.
Apply two layers of Shrink Wrap over each Jaw to PREVENT Tool marks.
Rotate the Cam to get the Bucket's OD accessible.
Use Tool after spraying some Carb Cleaner to de-oil the Bucket.

 

Sounds like it just got 'bedded' in from heat and perhaps a bit of metallic debris effectively creating a 'mini' weld. Not to worry it will break loose as that is ultimately what it's designed to do. I would spray it liberally with Kroil or Liquid Wrench and let it sit, create or find a tool similar to what Rick described, and then get the top side/slot good and oil free, dry if possible, then grab it and intend that little bastard to move...it will.

All of my slots moved, but I had one 'welded' in shim that required 5x as much effort and time to remove as all the others. It's just in the nature for these air-head mills to get hot and bothered in one spot. Especially when they are neglected by PO's and haven't been getting enough TLC.

Just so we know...what was the status of the engine before you began working on the valves? Have you done a compression check?

 

They make Plastic Jawed Channel Locks.

Knipex Corp. 65-Bucks. Each.
How often would you use them?

You can get a decent 4-piece set from Harbor Freight for 15 Greenbacks.
Shrink-wrap is cheap.

 

I assume you can slide a feeler gauge between the cam and shim? If no, it may be so tight it's holding the bucket. In that case you'll probably have to turn the engine over until the thing moves around.