Clean the heads with valves in?

[JohnJL]

I had my valves replaced and "done" so everythings together.

When putting everything together I could see my 3.2 intake injector ports didn't line up perfectly with my 3.0 heads. So I marked off each intake identically and removed a little material on each head. This left alu dust on everything.

Is it OK to clean the heads with degreaser or submerse them in thinner while the valves are still in? Want to get every little bit of dust out but don't have a valve remover and can't find one in any area stores.

thanks
john

[911pcars]

Submerging the heads in solvent will remove all lube. However, your valve guides will need lube inside them. Try to blow out the aluminum dust with blasts of compressed air.

Sherwood

[JohnJL]

Sherwood,
yeah, I tried that but I still get a tiny bit of dust on a wet finger after...I would think the fit is so tight between the valve and guide that degreaser would be OK...wouldn't the valve immediately get lubed when oil pressure came up or could I cover leave a little puddle of oil in the spring pocket while assembling?

[911pcars]

Getting adequate lube into the valve guides is a challenge under the best of circumstances. Lubrication between valve stem and valve guide is important, yet the valve stem seals try to prevent too much lube oil from entering - not much gets in there. Washing out all the lube isn't a good idea, IMO.

How about admitting your indescretion to your machine shop, then ask them to remove the valve seals and valves (keep everything in order), dunk and dry the heads, then relube the guides? Better to be on the safe side, yes?

Sherwood

[JohnJL]

yes, if necessary...but we're talking about $300 in courier/shipping fees plus $300-500 in rebuilding....

[911pcars]

I see your predicament.

Compressing the valve springs and disassembly shouldn't be any different than most OHV cylinder heads. If no one is local to R&R the valves, are you open to DIY? Sir Tools offers tools to compress the valve spring and disassemble the valve assembly on installed engines. Pelican carries these. You'll need one tool for the intakes and one for the exhaust valves.

PEL-TOL-P7I
PEL-TOL-P7E


With the heads on the bench, a regular valve spring compressor should work as well (about $60 USD - no affiliation).

Sherwood

[JohnJL]

Hi Sherwood,
Thanks for the info and time to respond. Yep, open to R&R...that spring compressor is exactly what I'm looking for. None of the local SuperCrap auto stores have anything even close...

I tried more carb cleaner and compressed air, i can see lots of dust still collected around the valve seats. I'll have to get in there and wipe them down.

john

[Early_S_Man]

John,

A 'C-clamp' type valve sring compressor is relatively inexpensive, and readily available under many brands ... KD Tools, Lisle, Matco, etc. They are available at many local full line auto parts stores, including NAPA.

[Fishcop]

John, skip SuperCrap and head to Repco or an independent auto shop, you will find the kind of compressor Warren is refering to.

[JohnJL]

Thanks guys.

I ended up checking Summit 'cause I needed some other stuff too...total bill....wait for it....$550!

Well, I got a pair of Simpson camlock harnesses and some other stuff too...