they should just fall right in ive installed 30 or more sets and never had one not go in. had them kinda hang up but with a little jiggiling they fall right in.

 

10-4 on this... i dont know what the deal is... unless like i said he's putting a ''longer'' one in the wrong hole.... all i can think of..

 

That's more than likely the case as there are 6 or 7 shorter ones for the outside of the valve cover.

 

there are 6 longer ones for the exhaust side of the head out side the cover. but the dead give away on them is that if you install a shorter one they fit almost flush with the head when all the way in. also make sure the front 2 are seated as deep as you can get them if they are not the the valve cover will not seal and you will know this quick. oil will go every where.

 

All the studs were in the right holes, that I know for sure, it took some more beating and cutting and they finally went in