Engines Equipped with Solid Stem Exhaust Valves: Remove the tapered valve retaining keys by moving the piston of the cylinder being inspected to near its top end of travel. This will eliminate any chance of the valve sliding into the cylinder after the tapered keys are removed. Fabricate a small hooked tool as shown in Figure 4 and insert it between the valve keys engaging the hook of the tool with the undersize of the valve tip as shown in Figure 4. Tap on the fixture with a plastic headed hammer while exerting a steady pull on the valve stem, with the hooked tool, until the valve keys release.