Topic: Valve inspection (newbie question)

[HondaNorway]

How do you interpret these images? I want to paint the cylinder head, and therefor I need to clean it real good. Do you think i have to remove the valves? Or could I just clean them with a brass brush  (what's most common to do?)
 
Note: the top ring on piston 1, was cracked in two pieces. No damage on the cylinder.  

[TwoTired]

The "Business" part of the valves is where they contact the seat, and where the stem meets the guide.

The only thing the pics show is that they aren't badly cracked, and need to have the combustion deposits cleaned off them.

[HondaNorway]

The "Business" part of the valves is where they contact the seat, and where the stem meets the guide.

The only thing the pics show is that they aren't badly cracked, and need to have the combustion deposits cleaned off them.

Ok! Thank you for fast reply  Does the color on picture 3 and 4 tell you anything? Do I damage the valves if i wash/clean them as they are mounted in the cylinder head?

-Stian

[TwoTired]

The color only says that those exhaust valves were running slightly hotter than in other cylinders.  Again the "interesting" bits are the valve seat, valve face, and the guide wear.  If you can pour gas into the inverted chamber and it doesn't leak into the intake and exhaust ports, they are probably ok.

The valves are steel, the head is aluminum, with different resistance to abrasive tools.  It is possible to clean them both while assembled if you give proper care and use the correct tools on each.

[HondaNorway]

All right! I will try gas trick tomorrow Hope to find some good tools for the cleaning process too. It will be interessting!   

[wrenchmuch]

It might be an idea while you have the head off the engine to at least check the width of seating face or margin where your valves meet their seats . You might be able to find a valve spring compressor near you that you can borrow . You will be able to clean the valves and head more easily and also replace stem seals while you are at it . I'm assuming that you also have your pistons out of the cylinders since you know you have a broken ring . If you re-ring your pistons you might take your cylinders to a shop for a hone (if thats all they need ) ,they might help you out by removing and putting back the valves for you .
Mike

[Zig]

 as was said, mating surface between valve and seat is critical as is valve guide clearance. take it apart, label all parts and (if you dont have tools to do yourself) bring it to an engine machine shop and have it checked. maybe a re-grind or just a simple valve lap is req'd. bring them a copy of honda spec sheet.
 aluminum and steel ( heads and valves) will require different cleaning methods, aluminum is damaged "VERY EASILY" with the same tools that do a great job on steel.
 while you have it apart measure unloaded spring heights and change valve seals.
 just a suggestion.