Ok,
I'm installing a cam, and replacing springs locks and retainers. After checking the installed height, I was putting the spring on the last f****** valve, when the compressor slipped.
It wedged one lock on the valve before I got the other one on. Now compressing the spring takes the retainer with it. I have used both styles of spring compressor. I tried rapping the retainer, digging it out, putting air in the cylinder, letting air out. Nothing works.
I hope some one has been down this frustrating path with a solution other than pulling the head. Actually, I don't know what to do different if the head was off. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

have you tried to compress the spring and pull out the lock with a pair of needle nose pliers

 

10-4, like a millon times, its recessed a little, I think it's partially in the grove of the valve, maybe too far down...thanks anyway.

 

try compressing the spring and tapping the compressor with a hammer. then wiggle it back and forth and you should be good.