Head work/Valve job

[jobagadonitz]

I'm trying to decide if I should seek out a machine shop for head work (can anybody recommend one in the Dayton/Cinci OH area) or if I should just lap the valves and clean them up myself. Pros and cons?

Thanks,
Mike in Dayton

 

[retiredgentleman]

The amount of kilometers (miles) on the engine should be one factor. If you have an engine with high mileage then it might be wise to have a machine shop do the work. However, if the mileage is low then just lap them yourself.

When I re-built the top end a few years back, I lapped the valves myself. My bike only had 18000 kms (11000 miles) so, in my view, my engine was not excessively worn. I now have over 28000 kms and my engine still runs like new.

Have you checked the side play for the valves? You measure that with a dial indicator, and if its out of spec then you need to replace the valve guides.

 

[jobagadonitz]

Yeah, there's only about 12k on it. Just pulled it apart this evening. It doesn't look too bad actually. Not too crusty. Head gasket was definitely letting oil leak out of the front though.