Topic: Is it safe to clean exhaust ports?

[grumpy]

I'm swapping pipes on the K3.
While they're off I was thinking it'd be a good time to clean the soot out of the exhaust ports.
However, the last thing I need is for some dislodged carbon chunks to get stuck in the valve seat & keep the valves from closing all the way.

So, can I do it?

[Soos]

The ONLY way I have cleaned them on the bike is 1 cylinder at a time, with that valve closed.

Clean it, blow it out(with LOW pressure air) go to next port, make sure valve is closed FULLY, repeat until done with all ports.



There is always a risk of a chunk getting lodged and falling in though.
I would suggest not doing it with the head on the motor though.




l8r

[andy750]

You could do it using a vacum cleaner to catch any debris. This was how my seized spark plug was removed from engine still on bike. Drilled out with vacum attached to catch anything. Worked well!

cheers
Andy

[grumpy]

Funny - both of you guys hit on my initial idea:
To scrub the ports (making sure they're closed) w/ a toothbrush while the shop vac was shoved in there.