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[techforlife]

Originally Posted by rrittner

So in an effort to stop my bike from using excessive oil I'm replacing two valve guides and seals that are leaking, now that I have the head off I took some pictures.

From some of the other pictures of rebuilds that I've seen my cylinder looks good. Also the carbon build up isn't too bad.

Just asking if it looks OK to anybody with more experience with this.

Also how do I compress the valve springs??

Thanks for any help.

If you are going to get the 2 guides replaced then do all 4.......and all the valve seals.....Something to keep in mind is that there are o-rings under the pressed in valve guides..these can deteriorate and cause oil burning too...nothing more frustrating then replacing the valve seals and oil still burning because you didn`t do the whole job...Also if you are that far get the valves and seats cut for a good seal...

Looking at a cylinder wall and piston won`t help you much.you need the cylinder measured to see if it`s in spec (within taper and out of round specs).....if it`s still in spec the next thing to do is measure the ring gap,to see how badly worn the rings are...

I`d have an engine shop check the head and cylinder......you may find that just replacing the valve seals,grinding the valves,honing the cylinder and putting new rings in will be all that`s needed...

Get it done/checked right.........or you`ll be dissapointed in the end..you`ll never be looking back if it`s a good job..and it`ll last for years..



B

[mcma111]

Originally Posted by rrittner

Oh, BTW...Those WHITE exhaust valves lead me to think your running LEAN and HOT

[dav_dman]

some new parts from the flea mkt

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=642296


just spied them there

[HeadTrauma]

Originally Posted by mcma111

Oh, BTW...Those WHITE exhaust valves lead me to think your running LEAN and HOT

I was thinking the same thing.

[mcma111]

Originally Posted by HeadTrauma

I was thinking the same thing.

Well, Hell's Bells. Someone's paying attention around here.

[akarob]

Originally Posted by mcma111

Oh, BTW...Those WHITE exhaust valves lead me to think your running LEAN and HOT

What about that wet black carbon build-up? Hard to say is all I'm sayin.

Replace with stainless steel and get the seats cut - done for life. Honda valves are soft.

[mcma111]

Originally Posted by akarob

What about that wet black carbon build-up? Hard to say is all I'm sayin.

Replace with stainless steel and get the seats cut - done for life. Honda valves are soft.

Notice how the outer edge of the piston is clean of carbon build up? That is due to oil passing the rings and washing the carbon away.

BTW... There's nothing wrong with Honda XR valves. Now if we were talking CRF valves. Well that is a different kettle of fish.

[rrittner]

That's what I needed, someone to look at the pictures and tell what is going on. Now I'll pull the cylinder and piston and have them measured to make sure they are in spec.

I was going to replace two valve guides and the seals that go with them now I'll do all 4, but what does it mean to have them cut?

[tornillo]

really enjoying the q4, great note seems to have more power on the top! braaaaaaaaaap!

[cyclewizard]

I've put upwards of 60,000 mile on oem XR valves.
Keep your filter clean and they last a long time.

[techforlife]

Originally Posted by rrittner

That's what I needed, someone to look at the pictures and tell what is going on. Now I'll pull the cylinder and piston and have them measured to make sure they are in spec.

I was going to replace two valve guides and the seals that go with them now I'll do all 4, but what does it mean to have them cut?

A machineshop will cut/grind the faces of the seats and valves so they match each other for a perfect seal when closed.......if the bike has any decent miles on it you`ll find the Exhaust valve faces pitted,and will be leaking compression......any decent machine shop that replaces the valve guides will require you to do this..as replacing the valve guides necessitates the valves and seats to be recut to ensure a seal...

B

[mendoteach]

Honda's valves are harder than a whore's heart If there's one area that the aftermarket has a hard time improving on it's valves and springs.

[marbee40]

Anyone have a Mikuni on the L? Did a quick "mikuni" thread search and not much specific.

It's on the way. I've had the stock carb on my 04 since day one with Dave's Mods, et al. The last year has been a carb-nightmare. We've cleaned, jetted, and adjusted til I'm blue in the face. Found the Mikuni for a good price and gonna give it a try.

If anyone can point me to an install/info thread, I'd really appreciate it!

I'd like to get this thing running right again so I can stud the tires for winter and hit the snowy trail! (Gotta ride AK!)

Thanks,
Jim

[cyclewizard]

Originally Posted by mendoteach

Honda's valves are harder than a whore's heart If there's one area that the aftermarket has a hard time improving on it's valves and springs.

[akarob]

Originally Posted by mendoteach

Honda's valves are harder than a whore's heart If there's one area that the aftermarket has a hard time improving on it's valves and springs.

I disagree, I've seen them wear the valve faces out to the point where they are practically sucked into the cylinder head. I'd recommend stainless steel replacements.