Ok i bought a 350 long block from the junkyard yesterday. Its bored 40 and the casting numbers are 3970010 and 3998993 for the heads. The problem is that i tried to take the valves out, but there is a little ring or clip thing on the valve it's self not allowing my to slid the valve past the seal. What is this and how do i take it off? I am not taking about the retainers or locks.

Thanks

 

That is an o-ring(stem seal) that has hardned over time. Take a pick and break it loose.

 

So it is just hardened rubber and is normal?

Thanks

 

Yes, It is normal