cleaning valves

[clutchdust]

I just disassembled these AFR heads I picked up a couple weeks ago. They look really good inside, except I know I need new seals. Small cost if everything else checks out. The only other thing I need to do myself is clean up the valves. Intakes are a little gummy and exhaust are a little crusty, otherwise they look completely serviceable.
So how do you guys recommend cleaning all the gunk off the valves without screwing up the valves?

 

[010752]

Used to use the old carb cleaner years ago, but that stuff is long gone.
Soft wire wheel if you are going to lap.

 

[enkeivette]

Pay a machine shop to dunk it in the hot tank. It'll come out shiny.

 

[Twin_Turbo]

put rubber hose over the stem, clamp them in the press drill chuck and run it at a slow speed, then all you need is a bit of scotch brite and they will come out like new, just do the rear and face of the valve and not the polished stem, a bit of kerosine will help soften the really baked on crud. If you go too fast on the drill the valve may come loose and go flying, don't want that. I would check valve guide play, usually if the valves are crusty it's a combo of worn guides and seals, not just the seals

 

[clutchdust]

Thanks TT, good idea. I did check the valves in the guides and they're pretty dang tight. Not sticky tight, but virtually no side to side at all.