Figured it was time for a cleaning APV's How To guide. Reletively easy process, just nice to know what to expect if it's your first time.
If I missed anything feel free to let me know, as it was my first time and what little I found on the net wasn't very helpful.
I did pick up some of those sponges for cleaning dishes, but they didn't do any good at all. I didn't get the Green S.O.S. pads just because I wasn't sure if they would be hard on the polished portion of the powervalves or not.
Tools needed –
10mm wrench or socket
4mm allen wrench
flat screwdriver/scraper
brake cleaner
shop towel/rags
fine emery cloth
Step 1 –
Remove 4 Hex head bolts. 10mm wrench/socket.
Step 2 –
Remove 3 inside bolts and pull out. 4mm allen wrench
Mine took a pretty good pull to get them to pop out.
Step 3 –
Valve on the side where the pin is shorter comes out first by sliding it off.
Step 4 –
This one then slides right off.
I make sure each powervalve goes back in the same spot it came out. How you choose to mark them or arrange them is up to you.
My valves came out as if they were dipped in syrup. Hit them with some brake cleaner before you start scraping off the carbon.
I initially tried using a gasket scraper, worked good for the flat areas and the edges, but a flat head screwdriver worked alot better around the curves and tight spots. I found laying the screwdriver on it's side at a slight angle and pulling towards you, as if you were peeling a potato, worked best. Make sure not to get too wild and scratch/gouge the valves.
Spraying them off with brake cleaner and wiping them dry while scraping get's rid of the loose stuff so you can see what's left.
Once you get the carbon off, shine it up with some fine emery cloth. Reinstall in reverse order.
