Head strip - cleaning components

[SilverShadow]

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.

[capri_rob]

When I had my Head rebuilt I just gave them the whole thing ( left the cam/valves etc in ) with a box with new rockers etc in and they did the strip, pressure test and then acid dipped everything before putting it back together.

They also skimmed the log exhaust manifold for me as it had gone banana shaped

http://www.headtechnique.com/

I used these guys - did a superb job

[G-Bear]

A few people on here use Corry's in Hemel (not far for you) for head work if you are thinking of sending it elsewhere..

Have a scroll through the first two pages on here...

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... 20&start=0

[jimmyspeed]

the valve material is very hard so i used a wire brush in my pillar drill and buffed all the carbon off. For the base i used a flat steel block with a sheet of wet and dry. I did buy a brass wire brush to clean them off but the material was just to tough to remove.

Avoid any type of abrasive on the valve shaft as this will mess up your guides. Acetone is also quite good for removing carbon too

also as above the machine shop will clean them for about a quid

[polsta]

When I had my Head rebuilt I just gave them the whole thing ( left the cam/valves etc in ) with a box with new rockers etc in and they did the strip, pressure test and then acid dipped everything before putting it back together.

They also skimmed the log exhaust manifold for me as it had gone banana shaped

http://www.headtechnique.com/

I used these guys - did a superb job

How much out if interest ? My 318is had been re built with a brand new head from BMW, engine was superb

[SilverShadow]

Guys thanks for your replies!

GBear ”“ thanks for the link, it’s been very useful. Will be giving Corey’s a call tmrw!!

[G-Bear]

Guys thanks for your replies!

GBear ”“ thanks for the link, it’s been very useful. Will be giving Corey’s a call tmrw!!

Happy to help...

Let us know how you get in with Corry's.

[ross_jsy]

In the past I have used acid wheel cleaner to remove carbon deposits

[SilverShadow]

O wow just got off the phone to Corry's and they quoted me £155 +vat for the following work:

Exhaust guides
Stem seal valves
Skim
Lap valves
Assemble head and ready to be bolted back up.

[G-Bear]

That sounds pretty reasonable.. I think I may do the same.. Pleased you got a result.. Some reputable people on here have said good things about those guys, so I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results.

[capnmchl]

That's cheap if you consider the work that goes in

[capri_rob]

When I had my Head rebuilt I just gave them the whole thing ( left the cam/valves etc in ) with a box with new rockers etc in and they did the strip, pressure test and then acid dipped everything before putting it back together.

They also skimmed the log exhaust manifold for me as it had gone banana shaped

http://www.headtechnique.com/

I used these guys - did a superb job

How much out if interest ? My 318is had been re built with a brand new head from BMW, engine was superb

Cant remember now its on the spreadsheet on my other PC - somewhere just over £200 I think - skimming the log manifold was extra as it was a pain to set up