Cleaning OHV

[dennis]

Working on a Briggs & Stratton M 312777, T 0130-E1, C 980407ZD. Took the head off and am having a devil of a time getting all of the carbon out of the valve wells, and cylinder head and piston. Been using a plastic scraper and brass brush. Is it ok to use steel wool on the head and piston? Also, had a hard time removing the intake valve oil seal. The rubber really stuck on all surfaces. Is that common? Also, is engine oil ok to use instead of valve stem lubricant when reassembling? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[RoyM]

I would not use steel wool on the piston, you won't get all the fine particles which will act as an abrasive when the engine is started. Try oven cleaner on the head.

[dennis]

Thanks for reply.

As far as intake valve seal goes, I don't have the new one yet, and forgot that the rubber and spring is surrounded by metal, just like most other seals. I will either thread a screw into the metal and pull it, or make a simple puller.

[StarTech]

I just use a stiff metal putty knife with a sharpen edge to the the piston head to get the heavy stuff off. I got wire brush that works of the ports that I use with my die grinder. It not the typical flat type but like a round brush that bristles flare out at high speed.

[bobodu]

Ouch !!! The most power tool I would ever use is a BRASS brush in a slow speed Dremel.