Topic: 1981 CB650 head removal questions

[ts354]

Took the head off to put a new gasket and o-rings in.  The thing is filthy with years of oil and dirt built up in all the nooks and crannies.  Now,  how do I do clean the head? 
Do I need to disassemble the whole thing - valves guides springs?  Or just wipe it down with de-greaser and slap it back on there? 
Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks,
Todd

[DaveBarbier]

If there’s head gasket material stuck on there you’ll have to scrape that off by hand or bring it to a machine shop for decking (cylinders too). But if you’re really just talking about dirt and oil inside the fins and stuff, I like to use a nylon brush and mineral spirits in a spray bottle. Or bring it to a self serve car wash and blast it with a wand. Bring plywood to set it on so it doesn’t scratch on the cement floor. You’ll be pushing it around the bay if it’s not somehow secured down. Bring a face shield.

Or you can leave it grimy...wont really hurt anything as long as the inside is clean.

[flatlander]

i'd also replace the base gasket while at it. since you took off the pressure by removing the head nuts and pried off the head, the cylinder likely moved as well.

[DaveBarbier]

i'd also replace the base gasket while at it. since you took off the pressure by removing the head nuts and pried off the head, the cylinder likely moved as well.

Head bolts* But yeah I agree.

[bryanj]

650 has bolts not studs

[flatlander]

sorry misread that it was a 650. but the message is the same