Pictures of offending valve that wouldn't close up.

[Courtney]

So here is a shot of the offending valve that I pulled the head to look at. BTW, the head came off easily with no problem with the acorn nuts, but the PB Blaster, vibration, and tapping did NOTHING to get the penetrating fluid up into the threads. They came off absolutely dry with no solvent on the threads, so that was a waste of time.

The valve was sitting open a bit when I first looked at it, but I pushed the valve lightly with my finger as seen in the second shot, and it went "Click", and dropped onto the seat. WTF??? Probably if I had just started the bike up it would have resolved itself, but maybe not. All I can think of is the valve hung up in the guide a bit due to wear (ovaling) of the guide itself.?????


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[GLoweVA]

It could have just hung up on a little bit of rust on that one stem.
If that was the valve that was open while the bike sat, then the stem would have rusted a little there and then you but the bike, rotate engine a few times and now that valve won't close all the way. You put a little finger pressure on it, and presto!.

At least, now that you've got the head off, at least you'll get a good look at the pistons and the rest of the internals that you can see.

[LoHo]

Are you planning to pull that valve and clean it up, or put her back together and go for it? Might be worth it to see if it spins straight or if the rust has buggered the stem seat.

[LoHo]

By the way, you can make a valve removal tool with an old socket, a big clamp, and a large nylon nut, if you don't have a purpose built tool.

[Courtney]

Rasputin has mailed me an old shim bucket I'm going to turn into a XS-specific compressor, following the thread about a 6" C clamp and bucket. Yes I will be pulling this valve and cleaning it up and really examining it. I have two different valve spring compressors, but neither will work on this head. :-( but making the one will be easy. I am going to check the valve guide since I have a dial indicator etc. I'm thinking I'll find an ovalled valve guide bore, rusty valve stem as you suggest LoHo and a seat that needs to be lapped at the least. Bike was a strong runner before I parked it, so I expect the others are fine, but I'll be looking at them too since I have it apart.

[petejw]

tilt the head on its side and
pour some fuel down both the ports
and see if the others are leaking/seaping
before you strip the head down. jat.