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Finally got round to replacing my leaking valve seals on my '78E. Had a group ride a few weekends ago and I let my step-son drive the XS and I was following. MAN, what an obnoxious ride that was.. I knew she was burning oil, but the smell and puffs at stoplights was annoying.
Anywho. Ordered and received new viton valve seals. yay! Having replaced them on an old Honda 650 and they did wonders, I figured the XS was 2 years older and they were probably dried out.
Got the head off and the valves pulled just fine. Everything is in a zillion ziplock baggies with labels waiting their turns for cleaning and inspection.
The carbon buildup on the pistons and exhaust was AMAZING. I am currently on day 4 of heavy-duty Aircraft Stripper scrubbing with toothbrushes and letting sit overnight on the head. I DO see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Quick question about the head gasket. Someone has been in here before and the gasket fire-rings are great. The front where the 12MM bolt goes is all busted up. I really don't want to shell out 90+ for a gasket set. I was thinking of cutting a new tab area from some gasket material and using that where the stud is. Matching the original thickness as best as I can.
Or, should I just use some black RTV in that area and hope for the best?
Pictures! Click to enlarge.
Current head-cleaning progress. Still soaking from last nights application of stripper. I can see aluminum in the exhaust ports now tho!!
This is a ZILLION times better than when I started. I would guess there was at least 1/4 inch of carbon in the exhaust ports and around the valves.
Anywho. Ordered and received new viton valve seals. yay! Having replaced them on an old Honda 650 and they did wonders, I figured the XS was 2 years older and they were probably dried out.
Got the head off and the valves pulled just fine. Everything is in a zillion ziplock baggies with labels waiting their turns for cleaning and inspection.
The carbon buildup on the pistons and exhaust was AMAZING. I am currently on day 4 of heavy-duty Aircraft Stripper scrubbing with toothbrushes and letting sit overnight on the head. I DO see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Quick question about the head gasket. Someone has been in here before and the gasket fire-rings are great. The front where the 12MM bolt goes is all busted up. I really don't want to shell out 90+ for a gasket set. I was thinking of cutting a new tab area from some gasket material and using that where the stud is. Matching the original thickness as best as I can.
Or, should I just use some black RTV in that area and hope for the best?
Pictures! Click to enlarge.
Current head-cleaning progress. Still soaking from last nights application of stripper. I can see aluminum in the exhaust ports now tho!!
This is a ZILLION times better than when I started. I would guess there was at least 1/4 inch of carbon in the exhaust ports and around the valves.
.
They had an inch/lb clicker 3/8 drive and started at 120 in/lb. lolfail.
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