Dirty Valves

I was changing the plugs in the the Daytona earlier and peering down the throttle bodies, there was a build-up of carp on the inlet valves. I took a couple of pics:





Is there any easy way to clean these? I'm pretty sceptical of the miracle engine cleaners that will clean everything, but there must be something! Valve clearances are still within spec, but I would like the stem this buildup before it gets worse!

Thanks for any advice

Luke

Unless you want to rebuilt the top end then I guess these mirricle valve cleaners are the only way to go...

It looks a bit fishy but I think it's Hadock not Carp!

You could try using Redex (can you still get that?) or similar for a while and then inspect again, let us know how it goes if you do.

What type of petrol do you use? Better quality is supposed to have more detergent which stops this kind of thing, mind you it doesn't look too bad IMHO

Where the valve seats against the block, is that dirty do you know? Try running shell V-power or something, see if that helps. Is the bike running rich at all?

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by Alpinestarhero

Where the valve seats against the block, is that dirty do you know? Try running shell V-power or something, see if that helps. Is the bike running rich at all?

Valves seat against the head, not the block.
And valve clearances are OK, which would strongly suggest there is no dirt there.

Water.
Rev it up a bit, and spray a mist down the TBs. It steam cleans combustion chambers and exhaust valves a treat, might work on these.

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

Valves seat against the head, not the block.
And valve clearances are OK, which would strongly suggest there is no dirt there.

Water.
Rev it up a bit, and spray a mist down the TBs. It steam cleans combustion chambers and exhaust valves a treat, might work on these.

I knew what I ment, my terminology is incorrect

The pics make it look much worse than it is! Because there is little light in there, the clean parts are reflecting black, so it makes then look super grimy. Also they are pretty grainy which doesn't help!

I use 98 pretty much all the time as the jump from regular to premium in NZ is usually 91 > 98 RON!

YC - I heard of the water trick before when I was working on the missus' car's carbs. Wasn't sure how much stock to put in it, but I'll give it a go (and I might try a detergent cleaner thing as well)

They aren't too bad really. Te build up is only light and around the edge of the valves, but I just want to do something now rather than when/if it does get worse! Prevention better than a cure.

[Bibio]

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

Water.
Rev it up a bit, and spray a mist down the TBs. It steam cleans combustion chambers and exhaust valves a treat, might work on these.

+1 but add some antifreeze. if you have ever taken a head off with a blown gasket you will see why...

[yorkie_chris]

Does same thing. Windscreen washer fluid works too (you can use that stuff for water/methanol injection if you've got a very mad turbo'd thing!)

[northwind]

Would that work with intake valves? Would've thought the flash-to-steam thing wouldn't happen til it hits the combustion chamber... But maybe not.