Need opinion on valve condition please

[Glen]

My '83 1100E runs very rich and I'm trying to track it down. I was wondering if it was valve seals, so I pulled all the valves. I'm not what these pictures mean, so I was hoping anyone with experience could tell me if this is normal wear and tear, or a problem? Thanks

Intake (all 4 cylinders look like this)
FullSizeRender 2.jpg

[Glen]

Exhaust (all 4 cylinders look like this)
FullSizeRender 5.jpg

[Glen]

Some of the valve seals
FullSizeRender 8.jpg

[Glen]

Underside of head
FullSizeRender 14.jpg

[rapidray]

Glen, clean all of the valves. The easiest way is a wire wheel on one side of a 6 inch bench grinder. Put the valves back in the guides & check for side play. If all is good you don't have to replace the guides & do a valve job. Clean the head, lap the valves, install new seals & run it. Call me at 714,356.784five if you have questions.
Ray.

[bobgroger]

The valve seals shown are totally shot. The carbon looks pretty oily. Like Ray says, clean it up, put on a set of GOOD seals, and give it a try.I don't know if bike valve stem seals come with the little condom that protects the seal from the keeper grooves, if it does use it...

[Glen]

Thanks guys! I will clean the valves and head, and get new seals. Appreciate the input

[GregT]

The valve seals shown are totally shot. The carbon looks pretty oily. Like Ray says, clean it up, put on a set of GOOD seals, and give it a try.I don't know if bike valve stem seals come with the little condom that protects the seal from the keeper grooves, if it does use it...

Never seen those condoms with bike seals. Lube generously and only put the valves through once - when you're assembling it.
If you pull them back out, you'll ruin the seal.

[rapidray]

If you pull them back out, you'll ruin the seal.

Sorry but NOT true. I have valves in & out all the time on GS heads without issue.
Ray.

[Glen]

Hi guys, any opinions please on seals made out of "viton"? I'm shopping around and found a complete set for $36, but no idea if this stuff is any good. Thanks!

[Glen]

Hi guys, any opinions please on seals made out of "viton"? I'm shopping around and found a complete set for $36, but no idea if this stuff is any good. Thanks!

Nevermind, I just searched this site and it looks like they are good. I see that rapidray uses them, that's good enough for me!

[Glen]

Hi guys, next question if you don't mind. I'm looking for the better tool to clean the valve seats. One is the dremel wirebrush
Dremel Wire Brush.jpg

[Glen]

The other is the dremel abrasive wheel. I don't want to damage the valve seats, but the abrasive wheel seems to work much better. Any opinion on what to use? Thanks
Dremel Abrasive Wheel.jpg

[rapidray]

A spray bottle of Simple Green, spray it on & let it soak for awhile, 30-60 minutes. Then take a small hand held stainless steel wire brush to it. Repeat if necessary.
Ray.

[Glen]

A spray bottle of Simple Green, spray it on & let it soak for awhile, 30-60 minutes. Then take a small hand held stainless steel wire brush to it. Repeat if necessary.
Ray.

Thanks Ray!