GS850 Rebuild or Oh my god what have I done?

[Good Times]

I'm no expert on valves, but I would say that's carbon build up on the valves. When I have seen clean valves they don't have anything that looks like that on them.

 

[7981GS]

Soaking in carb dip might help getting that off. I have never tried, yet.
I usually sand-blast them. Still tough.

Eric

 

[Steve]

Don't worry about what you are seeing on the valves. Just knock off the loose stuff and call it a day.

.

 

[Daffid]

Ok. That I can do. How careful do I have to be of the rest of the combustion chamber part of the head? Obviously the valves are a different, hardened material, and the rest of the head is just aluminum. If I nick or scratch it just the slightest bit, it should be fine right? I'm trying to be careful not to damage anything either way, but I just want to make sure that if I have a little oops here or there I'm not jeopardizing my ability to use the head.

Also, getting off God-know's-how-old gasket goo is a real pain...Thinking about trying Girlfriend's magic eraser on it. I don't think that'll mar the aluminum too much. I've got a brand new can of Berryman carb dip that I suppose I could pour into a container and immerse the head in. That stuff doesn't eat Rubbermade plastic tubs, does it?

Any neat ideas on how to push out the valves so I can check the seat/seal on each? Or for that matter, what to search in the forum other than 'check valves' so I can narrow down the results?

 

[Daffid]

Hey Eric, what do you usually sand blast them with? Soda? The only thing keeping me from playing with my sand blast cabinet is the 220 wiring needed for my compressor and a decent in-line dryer. This just might be my motivation to get that done asap...

 

[7981GS]

Hey Eric, what do you usually sand blast them with? Soda? The only thing keeping me from playing with my sand blast cabinet is the 220 wiring needed for my compressor and a decent in-line dryer. This just might be my motivation to get that done asap...

Sand.
I just looked for a bag and cannot find one.
I get them at industrial supply stores.
White Cap, Titan and perhaps even Granger carries some types.

Eric

 

[Steve]

Ok. That I can do. How careful do I have to be of the rest of the combustion chamber part of the head? Obviously the valves are a different, hardened material, and the rest of the head is just aluminum. If I nick or scratch it just the slightest bit, it should be fine right?

Putting some lines in it with a wire brush is not going to hurt anything, but whatever you do, keep it smooth.

Also, getting off God-know's-how-old gasket goo is a real pain...Thinking about trying Girlfriend's magic eraser on it. I don't think that'll mar the aluminum too much.

No idea what your "girlfriend's magic eraser" is, but one thing that tends to work well are the scotch-brite type of pads in a Roloc wheel.

I've got a brand new can of Berryman carb dip that I suppose I could pour into a container and immerse the head in. That stuff doesn't eat Rubbermade plastic tubs, does it?

Somehow, I just don't see a single can of Berryman's "immersing" a complete head in a Rubbermaid tub that is big enough to hold the head. That is, unless you have a 5-gallon can. :-k

Any neat ideas on how to push out the valves so I can check the seat/seal on each? Or for that matter, what to search in the forum other than 'check valves' so I can narrow down the results?

The best way is going to be to remove the valves completely. There is a tutorial on BassCliff's site that shows how to do that. Actually the tutorial shows how to re-install the valves, removal is just the reverse of that.

Oh, I have come up with a slightly better tool than the one I used when I made that video. Instead of a PVC coupler (have found it's too flimsy), I now use a 24 mm deep socket that has about 1/3 of its wall removed to have access to the valve keepers.

Hey Eric, what do you usually sand blast them with? Soda?

Well, the obvious answer is "sand", because if he used soda, it would be "soda blasting".

.

 

[Daffid]

Putting some lines in it with a wire brush is not going to hurt anything, but whatever you do, keep it smooth.

Excellent. The rest of that carbon buildup doesn't stand a chance.

No idea what your "girlfriend's magic eraser" is, but one thing that tends to work well are the scotch-brite type of pads in a Roloc wheel.

This is a great product! I find all sorts of uses for it. Magic Erasers are awesome.

Somehow, I just don't see a single can of Berryman's "immersing" a complete head in a Rubbermaid tub that is big enough to hold the head. That is, unless you have a 5-gallon can. :-k

To clarify: I didn't mean to imply that it's going to be totally immersed, just the part I need to get gunk off of. Its a 2.5gal tub, was thinking of just puring in the can of carb dip, placing the head combustion side down into it, and calling it good for a night.

The best way is going to be to remove the valves completely. There is a tutorial on BassCliff's site that shows how to do that. Actually the tutorial shows how to re-install the valves, removal is just the reverse of that.

Oh, I have come up with a slightly better tool than the one I used when I made that video. Instead of a PVC coupler (have found it's too flimsy), I now use a 24 mm deep socket that has about 1/3 of its wall removed to have access to the valve keepers.

I'll give this another look-see. I remember coming across it a while back and had forgotten about it. Thanks for the reminder!

Well, the obvious answer is "sand", because if he used soda, it would be "soda blasting".

Ok... I probably deserved that!

Does that mean if you use walnut shells your nut..... nevermind.:-\\\

 

[Daffid]

Just had a happy thought! Two spare motors means two extra heads means lots of extra shims for when I need to check valve clearances. Maybe I'll get lucky and have all the sizes I'll need...

 

[7981GS]

Just had a happy thought! Two spare motors means two extra heads means lots of extra shims for when I need to check valve clearances. Maybe I'll get lucky and have all the sizes I'll need...

If you get a complete head, you might get the shims with it.
Usually, they are sold minus cams and shims.

Eric

 

[Daffid]

I have two nearly complete parts bikes, both motors complete.

I got me some shims. :-D

 

[Daffid]

I'm nearly done getting all the carbon build up off the head. I'll be pulling the valves this weekend. Bought my longwall socket and thanks to Mr. Steve's tutorial I'll have my very own valve tool. Once valves are out and the rest of the head is cleaned up the top end of the keeper motor is coming off and I'll be figuring out how the rings look.

I've been lurking a lot in old and new threads and saw something that caught my attention - making sure that the mating surfaces are level for (inster part here)... So my question:

How do I know??

Would I be better off just taking it to a machine shop and having it checked/milled to be on the safe side?

 

[Daffid]

So I got antsy to ride... And may have bought another bike...

And by may I mean did....

Still working on the Suzi! I can't give up on it. Won't give up on it. Still working on making the window in my homemade valve tool big enough. Mr. Steve, the idea of using the socket is a wonderful one, but grinding out the metal is proving a pain. I really liked your idea though, and can't thank you enough for the video! You make it look like a piece of cake!

New bike:

 

[Good Times]

Like the Honda, glad you're riding.

Don't fall out of love with your Suzi!!! Stay in it!