not my valve stem's keeper

[Gaz64]

Originally Posted by Jac Mac

WRONG, the dowels are on the outer side of block and valve reliefs toward valley, thats the way they are on all windsor blocks ( plus every other Ford pushrod V8 I can think off ), the out of position valve to piston contact marks are due to the bends in the valve stem as per pics. Piston is correct. Whole problem is due to rocker contact with valve retainer.
If its hyd cam lifter preload may have been set too deep or the valvetrain components have not been correct at initial build to arrive at the train wreck we are looking at now.

I concur, the pistons are fitted correctly.

The builder should be aware of every necessary clearance during dummy and final assembly.

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

I wouldn't run aluminum retainers unless it was an engine with frequent planned teardowns.

Titanium retainers have replaced aluminum as the preferred alternative for those seeking lighter weight. Aluminum has pretty much disappeared from the market - with good reason.

Fully agree.