Rusty valvetrain components?
Rusty valvetrain components?
Hey guys, I’m slowly but surely making progress on the GL1000 project. I took the valve covers off and noticed the intake valve components on both sides are rusty. The exhaust components aren’t, I’m assuming this is a sign of the bike sitting for a long time and no oil to coat the upper valve train. I’m adding pics. Based on the condition are these good to throw in a deruster and re-use? I looked up NOS rocker arms on eBay and they look worse than these. BTW I’m planning on doing head gaskets so I’ll be able to do a thorough cleaning of the head to get rust flakes/particles out. Thanks!
- Rambozo
- Posts: 510
- Joined: Sun Apr 01, 2018 8:36 pm
- Location: Disneyland
- Motorcycle: 1992 GL1500 Aspencade
Re: Rusty valvetrain components?
No problem, that is just cosmetic. Take it apart and give it a soak in evaporust or the like. The important part is the pivot bushing and that can't rust. Remove the rockers and give the shaft and the cam pads a polish with scotchbrite or very fine emery, steel wool, etc. Maybe dress the end of the adjuster that bears against the valve with an oilstone if there is rust or pitting there.
You're right, I bet it is from condensation from sitting for many years. Be sure to replace the timing belts before starting it. Also make sure the valves and pistons are free. There could be rust in the cylinders as well.
You're right, I bet it is from condensation from sitting for many years. Be sure to replace the timing belts before starting it. Also make sure the valves and pistons are free. There could be rust in the cylinders as well.

Re: Rusty valvetrain components?
Awesome, I appreciate the heads up. I can turn the crank by hand and everything moves, nothing stuck. Cylinders are getting compression. Timing belt is on the (long) list of things to replace.
- offcenter
- Posts: 772
- Joined: Sat Sep 22, 2012 2:10 pm
- Location: Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey
- Motorcycle: 99 Gl-1500 SE
76 GL-1000
77 Honda Trail 90
Re: Rusty valvetrain components?
Could that rust be caused by a coolant leak?
George in Jersey.
99 Goldwing GL-1500 SE
76 Goldwing Gl-1000
77 Honda CT-90 "Trail 90"
99 Goldwing GL-1500 SE
76 Goldwing Gl-1000
77 Honda CT-90 "Trail 90"
- dingdong
- Posts: 4024
- Joined: Thu Apr 08, 2010 8:35 am
- Location: Oklahoma City
- Motorcycle: 1976 gl1000
1993 gl1500A
2004 NRX1800 Rune SOLD