what's a good solvent for the valve train & heads

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Apr 15, 2010 | 08:07 PM

phdraperinc

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what's a good solvent for the valve train & heads

just what the title says... i'm looking for a solvent i can soak them in cause my valves are just that dirty.
i've managed to get my heads mostly clean but there are some parts that aren't easy to get to the carbon build up just won't budge.

would sea-foam be good?
should i just buy new valves?

Apr 15, 2010 | 09:37 PM

bww3588

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wire wheel on a bench grinder for the valves. just dont go up the stem any where the stem rides inside the guide.

Apr 15, 2010 | 10:00 PM

garygnu

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heads off the motor? valves and springs still in the head? position the head so the intake or exhaust ports face up. fill the ports with brake cleaner ,and let it sit for a couple days. use a new firm toothbrush to scrub the valve and bowl.

Apr 15, 2010 | 10:15 PM

phdraperinc

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heads are off and springs and valves are off as well. i've been using break cleaner on them all day with a scotch brite pad and they still look crappy.

Apr 15, 2010 | 10:21 PM

garygnu

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let them soak in a bucket of solvent for week ,see if that works.

Apr 15, 2010 | 10:59 PM

phdraperinc

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Staging Lane

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my question is what would be a good solvent to let them (heads and valves) sit in?

Apr 15, 2010 | 11:28 PM

blue98Z

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bww3588

wire wheel on a bench grinder for the valves. just dont go up the stem any where the stem rides inside the guide.

+1....also you can use a soft wire wheel like a nylon wire wheel on a dremel to get in the heads. Worked good for me. Of course I dont know how bad your build up is. Mine was bad but I've seen alot worse. As far as solvent, I cant remember what my dad uses. I'll get back to ya on that. I know its pretty badass though.