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White valves, black buildup, what's wrong with these pictures?

6.8K views 5 replies 2 participants last post by  2010 admin  
#1 · (Edited)
These are pictures taken of the intake and exhaust valves of an K20A2 with 40K miles.

Why are some cylinder's exhaust valves white/er than others?

Why does it seem that one of the exhaust vales on each cylinder is whiter than the other?

Why is there a heavy / heavier black carbon deposit on one of the exhaust valves and not the other?

How can I clean the exhaust valve area of carbon deposits without having the carbon fall into the cylinder? (Is this something that I should attempt to do?)
 

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#5 · (Edited)
the intake valves don't look that bad and the difference in color is not a problem, imo. the exhaust valves that have more deposits than the other are more than likely due to the associated piston having bad rings. could also be condition of the plugs or air/fuel mixture. the best way to clean the cylinder head is off the car.