How's it look to you?

So I finally got my head off (man does my neck hurt!). I had a leak coming from the head, which I thought might have been the valve stem seals, but maybe the gasket. Turns out the gasket is in great shape - I could reuse it if I wanted. Anyway, I'm planning on replacing the valve seals, gaskets, etc. I think I probably need to lap the valves, since they're not sitting flush.

Here are the pics of the valves and the pistons. The exhaust valves are all white (as are the valve stems). Does that mean it's running lean? It was running with a 4-1 pipe with the original jets, and I recently added pods and upped the jets by three sizes, so if it is lean, I'm thinking it was probably a result of the previous configuration.

So, does anyone see anything here that you think I should be aware of or concerned about?

Thanks,
Chris

I thought whitish or very light tan exhaust valves was OK. Mine are always blackened with burned oil from valve seal leaks by the time I have to do the head, but that's not their proper color.:laugh:

Piston tops don't look bad.

Check the spark plugs to see if you were running lean.

I think it looks fine.

Mark

are you going to clean up that carbon before you put it back together?

heck i'd be tickled pink if by the time i open my motors they look that good....i think that is the coloration of a normal running gas engine...but others more qualified will better tell....oh...and nice quality on your pics..helps others to see your questioned area really well........good luck...

Exhaust valve coloring....
Pending motor build, head valve & porting, elevations, jetting, exhaust etc... may just be correct setup for that motor...

One thing for sure, with all 4 exhaust valves basically the same color, this also informs you you have all 4 carbs as well jetted & synced the same... Nice !

OMR