So after watching a few videos of people installing valve stem seals on their Miatas with the head still on, I noticed a few people use this ( ) tool.
However in the Amazon reviews, one reviewer states that the tool is too big to fit in the Miata head.
Has anyone tried using/used this tool to remove their keepers?

 

There's a kit (Lisle 36050) that comes with two, including a smaller one. The smaller one is not sold separately, AFAIK.

 

I Have the Lisle 36050 tool. Got it from amazon too. It works a treat.

Removing the keepers was the easy part. Replacing them was directly proportional to the amount of movement in the valve. some of them first go.....whenthere was no movment.
others took a few goes. as well as repostioning the rope to make sure there is minimum amount of movement in the valve.

I also lost grip on one valve & it threw the tool into the bonnet & ended up on the garage floor. Thankfully the magnet is super strong & had the keepers still inside the tool. but the retaining plate for the spring had disappeared.....eventually found. LOL

 

I bought the kit, based on Hornetballs's thread. It included the special pliers to pull the seals. Makes the job much easier.

Doesn't seem to be available on amazon anymore. WTF?

 

If these are the pliers, they're available separate.

CTA Valve Seal removal pliers

 

The won't fit a Miata review is mine, glad it seemed to have saved someone the headache. The smaller dia tool definitely works. I also prefer these pliers as they won't knick the valve stem it it slips off and bonks the stem.

 

^ These have a better review and for less money

Valve seal removal pliers