Valve Cleaning & Inspection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire and 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Important: Do not scratch the valve stem with the wire brush.
- Clean the valves of carbon, oil and varnish. Carbon can be removed with a wire brush, varnish can be removed by soaking in Parts Immersion Solvent GM P/N United States 12345368, GM P/N Canada 10953514, or equivalent.
- Clean the valve guides.
- Inspect the valve stem for wear (4).
- Inspect the valve keeper groove for chipping or wear (5). Replace the valve if chipped or worn.
- Inspect the valve face for burning or cracking (1). If pieces are broken off, inspect the corresponding piston and cylinder head area for damage.
- Inspect the valve stem for burrs and scratches. Burrs and minor scratches may be removed with an oil stone.
- Inspect the valve stem for straightness and the valve head for bending or distortion (3) using V blocks. Bent or distorted valves must be replaced.
- Clean the deposits from the valve face. Inspect the valve face for grooving.
- Replace the valve if the face is grooved. Valve faces cannot be machined. If worn, or damaged, the valves must be replaced.
- The valves may be lightly lapped to the valve seats.