Valve Inspection

[305explr]

Here's an update and a new question in reagrds to my post below "Source for valves, springs, seals"

I've learned the following from either Ed Moore or reading others posts -- and I post this for others' benefit:

The springs are almost always fine.

Honda NOS or even used valves are the way to go.

Intake valves can be refaced "if done as Honda recommends" (not sure what that is...yet)

Exhaust are hardened and therefore cannot be reused or serviced if pitted.

MY QUESTION is...can I remove the valves myself? I have read and understand how to remove the cam, but no one's written about valve removal. My Bill Silver engine manual does not cover that, at least as far as I have discovered.

I do more on each bike I own, consider myself reasonably mechaniccaly inclined, and I want to learn how to do this on this engine. I am uncertain, though if removing/installing valves is a DIY or best left to the pro's.

Advice appreciated...as always. And directions to a Clymer's manual would be helpful too.

[joeweir1]

Here is how I did it with a cheap small engine vavle spring compressor.

[piecutter]

If you happen to have a large C-clamp and a little bit of resourcefulness, you may end up doing what I, and apparantly thousands of others, have done. During my first top end job I didn't have a valve spring compressor, but, knowing what one looked like from the old service manual pictures I fashioned one up. I had an old bent 7/8" handlebar lying around so I cut about a one inch section off of one end and cut an access slot about 2cm wide out of one side. Some people say "what the heck" and weld it to the pad on the C-clamp at this point, but I didn't figure I'd be doing this alot and wanted to keep my C-clamp otherwise useful. It's no big deal to compress your springs using these 2 pieces with the head sitting in your lap, leaving both hands free to work the clamp screw and draw out the valve keepers. Keep a small magnet nearby, or preferably just stick it across the access slot. Those little keepers have a way of jumping out and scurrying across the floor to find the darkest, most inaccessable corner around.
You know, after all these years, I still haven't bought a proper valve spring compressor. And, come to think of it, when I'm at the shop and have borrowed the senior mechanics tool, It's just a welded version of what I use at home! I must admit, the proper tool is a little quicker and less clumsy, but I have to wonder how many of us have the home made version and haven't bothered with purchasing the proper one.