How to clean valves?

[Green57]

Gents,

I'm going into the last phase of my port and polish head replacement operation. Getting ready to put it all back together and would like to clean the deposits off the valves first. What is the best way to accomplish this task?

Thanks for any suggestions.

G57

[svono50]

In the past I have used a simple wire wheel on a bench grinder to shave off the deposits. Those deposits can be pretty hard, especially on the exhaust valves. Just be careful if you use this method, as the wheel can easily yank the valve out of your hand if you push too aggressively! Best to use light pressure and let the wheel do the work. I would think you may be able to chemically strip them as well, but not sure what solvent would be best to melt it off. I am sure someone else will chime in with their preferred method. Good luck.

[SVOeric]

I use the same method. As Ted said, watch the pull of the wheel, and make sure you wear safety glasses. those wires in the wheel will sling out.
If you're not taking the valves out, a wire brush on a drill will work pretty well too.

[jimtash9]

You can replace the intake valves with new one's if you want to save time. The exhaust valves are the ones you want to keep as they are Inconel. I soak them in Chem Dip and then use a wire wheel on a drill. After you're done, lap the valves to the seats with a fine grinding compound. You did install valve seats, right?

[Laredo]

Soak them in carbon cleaner solution, then use media blaster cabinet. If you don't have one, see if if you can borrow one. Works slick!

[Green57]

Thanks for the tips. Used the wire wheel method and they came out pretty clean.

G57