E30 Zone

Hi all,

Well I’ve started the process of rebuilding the engine in the cab and last week got the head off the block.

I’m planning to get the head over to the machine shop next week to get pressure tested, minimum skim, new guides and stem seals.

Before I give the head I need to strip all the internal components valves, cam, rockers etc.

While the head is getting the work done at the machine shop I would like to clean the valves with all the carbon build up at home. Question is what can I use to clean the carbon build up?

Any other internal head parts that could do with a clean as above?

Thanks in advance.

Admin can you please delete the above message as iv double posted.

I used a flappy type pad attached to a drill to clean my valves up. Luckily I have access to a lathe so could lightly skim the faces on that to clean them. Failing the above you could use a wire wheel.

Aside from that I gave the bare head a damn good bath (soak and scrub) in some pretty heavy duty oil remover liquid, mixed down with water (About 50:1) which worked really well.

I used a drill in a vice to spin the valve and used various light grades of sand paper to polish the valves. This was on old Mini heads so may work on the m20 stuff.