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Cleaning valves

Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2010 8:46 am
Author: Magnum1
Anyone know the best stuff to clean valves? Was thinking of using the old bottle of Redex sitting in the garage.
Thanks,
Rod

Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2010 9:20 am
Author: GEZ635
A fine grade scotch brite polishing wheel is very good. They remove the carbon build up and wont damage the face of the valve in any way.You need a small bench grinder preferably, but a drill will do with a polishing spindle attached to it. The scotch brite wheels screw on like the polishing mops do. You will do them all in no time. They cost about £3.50 - £4.00 each and are available from most polishing suppliers.

Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2010 10:26 am
Author: KeithZ1R
Clamped mine in the lathe chuck and used scothbrite brilliant job you could probably achieve the same effect clamping the drill to the bench and puttin the valve in the chuck :idea:

Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2010 11:06 am
Author: chrisu
which is what i do...........

Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2010 12:00 pm
Author: gbh
Given that you mention, Redex...I think you're talking about a running engine rather than a disassembled one, or is it just me?
I remember when service stations used to offer a squirt of redex with a tank of fuel to act as a top end lubricant.
If you squirt some in your tank you can expect a bit of smoke for until it clears the system...and yes, it will clean your valves.

Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2010 7:18 pm
Author: Magnum1
No, I would never put Redex in my engine. Too powerful and can dry out the bore.
Someone said, just use it neat on the valves. But, I reckon the Scotchbrite is the way to go, unless the ol ultrasonic jobbie can do it?
What do you lot reckon?
Rod

Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2010 7:44 pm
Author: KeithZ1R
i reckon you could grow a beard waitin :lol: :lol:

Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2010 8:53 pm
Author: Magnum1
I get the point
Rod

Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2010 9:01 pm
Author: nigel bessant
GEZ635 wrote:A fine grade scotch brite polishing wheel is very good. They remove the carbon build up and wont damage the face of the valve in any way.You need a small bench grinder preferably, but a drill will do with a polishing spindle attached to it. The scotch brite wheels screw on like the polishing mops do. You will do them all in no time. They cost about £3.50 - £4.00 each and are available from most polishing suppliers.


Or the stuff they always use on Eastenders, Brigadoon I think it's called

Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2010 10:57 pm
Author: gbh
Magnum1 wrote:No, I would never put Redex in my engine. Too powerful and can dry out the bore.
Someone said, just use it neat on the valves. But, I reckon the Scotchbrite is the way to go, unless the ol ultrasonic jobbie can do it?
What do you lot reckon?
Rod

Do you know the original use of Redex was exactly that?...putting in the fuel supply. Too powerful? How much were you thinking of using?
I don't think it was made as a soaking agent, though I suppose you could use it for that.

Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 9:35 am
Author: jimmock
[quote="GEZ635"]A fine grade scotch brite polishing wheel is very good. They remove the carbon build up and wont damage the face of the valve in any way.You need a small bench grinder preferably, but a drill will do with a polishing spindle attached to it. The scotch brite wheels screw on like the polishing mops do. You will do them all in no time. They cost about £3.50 - £4.00 each and are available from most polishing suppliers.[/quote

I agree with Gez, I've used this method before myself.

I have also used a BRASS wire brush in the 6 inch bench grinder. Like Gez says you don't want to be damaging the surface of the valve!!

Jimmock.