I just bought a 1998 CBR900RR. They Cycle has 20,000 miles. It had problems reving so I started to take it apart. I found that the number 2 and 4 spark plug sockets are stripped. I removed the Cylinder head to have new spark plug inserts put in. I asked the dealership if they would clean the carbon build up on the cylinder side valve area. They told me that they don't do that kind of work and that they usually just put it back together as is. I would like to know if it is ok to clean off the carbon build up around the valves and on the Cylinder tops. There is a fare amount of carbon build up. I figured that it would be benificial to remove some because it is just going to keep accumulating. So should I remove some, what should I use to remove it and does this prevent or cause any problems? I am not planning on using a hammer and pick to remove it . I was thinking of some work with a plastic scraper, a cloth and some carb cleaner. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I would hate to just leave it in the present condition while I still have the cylinder head off. I am not planning on doing any carbon reduction on the vales or around the valve seats. Thanks for any input.

 

Carb and Air Intake cleaner should be pretty safe. I don't know where you'd check to see it the valve area had any kind of soft metal coating there, otherwise I'd think that a soft towel abrasion shouldt hurt it. I would clean the valves too. May as well clean and adjust during reassembly.

 

go ahead and clean er' up~!

 

This is what they look like. The pistons have a good coating as well , that is where my main concern is. A Different dealership said that it is better to remove it because leaving it increases compression and increases the chances of detonation. I figured that I would clean the two raises pistons then turn the crank until the next two come up close to the head surface. Then clockwise cranking it again to the markings that match the cam chain installation. Again any tips is tricks would be helpful.



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carb cleaner or some pb blaster and one of them small brass wire brushes.

 

well, i have done this to vehicles before. I dont think any fluid or cleaner will even touch it. I used a gasket remover tool and carefully scraped and chissled the buildup off.

 

Well I have the piston heads cleaned. Damn that took forever. Thanks for the suggestions but I guess there is no easy fast way to spray and wipe the build up off. Thanks for the tips I used them all.



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i meant to write in put some marvel mystery oil in there over night and go back with a wire brush but.... yeah. looks good man