A valve assembly for an engine includes a gas exchange valve, a valve guide, and a seal. The gas exchange valve includes a valve stem. The valve guide includes an outer surface having a stem seal retention surface disposed at a seal end thereof. The valve stem extends through the valve guide such that the valve is reciprocally movable over a range of travel along the longitudinal axis with respect thereto. The seal is mounted to the stem seal retention surface of the valve guide such that the seal is in running, sealing engagement with the valve stem. The stem seal retention surface includes a shoulder surface to help retain the seal.