Engine Rust

[Murrgh]

Since It's slowly been getting warmer, I've been working more and more on my Valk. Saw this earlier and was just curious how it should be taken care of?




Thanks!

[Gryphon Rider]

First, solve the problem that causes this by using a coat hanger or something similar to clear the drain hole at the bottom of the spark plug hole, also accessible on the underside of the cylinder head.  Then use whatever solution others might suggest to clean up the rust.  Without other advice, I would start with the mildest cleaner, soapy water, then Simple Green, then maybe vinegar or CLR.  After it's cleaned up, change the spark plugs for new ones.

[The emperor has no clothes]

There are drain holes down the bottom of the plug area. I'm pretty sure yours are plugged. As to the rust. I think after clearing the obstructions, blowing out all debris, and installing new plugs you will be able to clean that up. It's the steel plugs that are actually rusting. The heads are aluminum.

GR types faster than I. 

[Murrgh]

Cool, thanks for the information! I didn't know about the drain plugs. I'll read up on that and fix it/the rust.

Is the "boot" that is coming up an issue? Do those need to be replaced? The other 4 are fine and don't "pop up" like those 2.

[Hook#3287]

Cool, thanks for the information! I didn't know about the drain plugs. I'll read up on that and fix it/the rust.

Is the "boot" that is coming up an issue? Do those need to be replaced? The other 4 are fine and don't "pop up" like those 2.

Most likely, once everything gets cleaned up, they will stay put.  Try some rubber conditioner of your choice.

[Murrgh]

Cool, thanks for the information! I didn't know about the drain plugs. I'll read up on that and fix it/the rust.

Is the "boot" that is coming up an issue? Do those need to be replaced? The other 4 are fine and don't "pop up" like those 2.

Most likely, once everything gets cleaned up, they will stay put.  Try some rubber conditioner of your choice.

Great. Glad to hear. I really appreciate all of the help!

[Gryphon Rider]

Cool, thanks for the information! I didn't know about the drain plugs. I'll read up on that and fix it/the rust.

Is the "boot" that is coming up an issue? Do those need to be replaced? The other 4 are fine and don't "pop up" like those 2.

Just to be clear, there is a small drain hole near where each spark plug screws into the cylinder head.  There is no proper "plug" for the drain hole, but yours are plugged up with foreign debris.

[Savago]

Anyone got a photo of this elusive drain holes?

[Valkpilot]

Anyone got a photo of this elusive drain holes?

I use a piece of trimmer line and poke it through from the top side.  I think they're hard to get to from the under side.

[John Schmidt]

Anyone got a photo of this elusive drain holes?

Just pull the wires off the spark plugs and with a flashlight you can see it. Not very big, maybe the size of a BB at the most and will be toward the outside at the lowest angle of that area. Don't overthink it, it's easy to see and clear....just leave the spark plugs in place.

[Hook#3287]

I found it easier to locate them from under the heads.