Removing Carbon Deposits From Valves

I currently have my head off and am cleaning and measuring everything. Carbon deposits on valves is baked on. What are people using to remove it?

Carb dip softens the carbon. You gotta let them soak for a day or two though. Then a soft brass wire wheel. After you get them clean I recommend trying to find a machine shop with a centerless valve grinding machine. It takes literally 1 minute each valve to make them like new again.

Spray oven cleaner takes it off.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll try that tomorrow kidkawie.

Oven cleaner worked pretty well on the head. I put the valves in a solution bath and will finish them tomorrow. Now....how do I get rid of the dishpan hands??:laugh:

Hey Bill, could you measure that front tab on the head with a straight edge and feeler gauge and post it here? I'd like to know what the normal reading is. I thought oven cleaner discolored aluminum.
Steve

I'll do that tomorrow Steve. No discolouration so far. I don't think it's an oxidizer. A couple of years ago I tried to clean oil on the cases with blue Zep. Big mistake. That's the reason I'm pulling the engine apart...to clean up the oxidization from the Zep.

Hi Steve, I measured 0.95 mm between the gasket face and the little protrusion.

Thanks Bill. I'll try oven cleaner on my valves when I take them out.
Steve

Is there an effective way to dissolve the carbon buildup on valves and pistons over time while riding?

The oven cleaner does not discolor anything. Ive been using it on all my two strokes since roughly 2008 or 09 when Permatex changed the spray gasket remover to some tree hugger version.

It will remove anodize so keep it away from polished or anno surfaces. But great for decarb.

Valves are all cleaned and are within spec. I didn't measure runout but they all slide easily in their respective positions. Valve springs are fine. Guides have play so they need to be changed, along with seals. I looked at OEM but they want $40 per guide and $10 per seal so I went to Z1E.

The engine is now stripped and ready for removal from the frame. Once the cases are split and cleaned I'll take the engine parts to my local vapour blast place in Chilliwack. Most of the frame is still in decent condition paint wise so I think I'll leave it alone, or maybe do a touch up on one or two places.

Cylinders are still in good condition...can still see traces of the original honing. Compression was also good before tear down so I have mixed feelings about new rings and new honing. Will have to decide soon.